Direct cAMP signaling through G-protein-coupled receptors mediates growth cone attraction induced by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide.

ABSTRACT: Developing axons are guided to their appropriate targets by environmental cues through the activation of specific receptors and intracellular signaling pathways. Here we report that gradients of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a neuropeptide widely expressed in the developing nervous system, induce marked attraction of Xenopus growth cones in vitro. PACAP exerted its chemoattractive effects through PAC1, a PACAP-selective G-protein-coupled receptor (GPRC) expressed at the growth cone. Furthermore, the attraction depended on localized cAMP signaling because it was completely blocked either by global elevation of intracellular cAMP levels using forskolin or by inhibition of protein kinase A using specific inhibitors. Moreover, local direct elevation of intracellul

SUBMITTER: Guirland C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6742047 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature