Nogo receptor 1 regulates Caspr distribution at axo-glial units in the central nervous system

Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 21;7(1):8958. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-09405-9.

Abstract

Axo-glial units are highly organised microstructures propagating saltatory conduction and are disrupted during multiple sclerosis (MS). Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) has been suggested to govern axonal damage during the progression of disease in the MS-like mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here we have identified that adult ngr1 -/- mice, previously used in EAE and spinal cord injury experiments, display elongated paranodes, and nodes of Ranvier. Unstructured paranodal regions in ngr1 -/- mice are matched with more distributed expression pattern of Caspr. Compound action potentials of optic nerves and spinal cords from naïve ngr1 -/- mice are delayed and reduced. Molecular interaction studies revealed enhanced Caspr cleavage. Our data suggest that NgR1 may regulate axo-myelin ultrastructure through Caspr-mediated adhesion, regulating the electrophysiological signature of myelinated axons of central nervous system (CNS).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / pathology*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / metabolism*
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Central Nervous System / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nogo Receptor 1 / deficiency
  • Nogo Receptor 1 / metabolism*
  • Ranvier's Nodes / pathology*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Cntnap1 protein, mouse
  • Nogo Receptor 1