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The Role of GM1 and Other Gangliosides in Neuronal Differentiation Overview and New Findings a
Author(s) -
Ledeen Robert W.,
Wu Gusheng,
Lu ZiHua,
KozireskiChuback Diane,
Fang Yu
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb09669.x
Subject(s) - synaptogenesis , neurite , microbiology and biotechnology , immunostaining , biology , neuroblastoma , neuroscience , neuron , cellular differentiation , ganglioside , chemistry , cell culture , biochemistry , in vitro , immunology , immunohistochemistry , genetics , gene
The pronounced increases in gangliosides belonging to the gangliotetraose family during the neurite outgrowth phase of neuronal differentiation have suggested a functional requirement for these substances related to process extension, arborization, and possibly synaptogenesis. Support for this hypothesis has come from a variety of experimental paradigms utilizing neuroblastoma cell lines, primary neuronal cultures, and observations on the developing nervous system. We have recently observed that differentiation of both primary neurons and neuroblastoma cells by Ca 2+ ‐elevating stimulants is characterized by upregulation of GM1 in the nuclear membrane. Immunostaining revealed these Ca 2+ ‐induced neurites to have axonal characteristics. Recent work has indicated that nuclear GM1 facilitates efflux of nuclear Ca 2+ , thereby contributing to the reduced level of nuclear Ca 2+ that characterizes the differentiated neuron. Thus, while GM1 is generally recognized as a pluripotent molecule with several modulatory roles in the plasma membrane of developing and mature neurons, regulation of Ca 2+ flux across the nuclear membrane is proposed as another critical function of this ganglioside in neuronal development, with special relevance to axonogenesis.