The study of intermediate filament (IF) post-translational modifications will constitute a major effort in the next grant period. IF proteins have provided a valuable tool for the purpose of cell identification due to their specificity for the main tissues forming the body (epithelia, mesenchyma, muscle, glia and neurons). However, the IF function still remain elusive and it is hoped that a study of post-translational modifications may provide some clues in this respect. The hypothesis is that these modifications may account for structural maturation by stabilizing the final shape of glia and neurons, including their processes. The study of hyaluronate-binding proteins in mature and immature CNS is the other major goal of this project. The remarkable transition from fibroblast-type IF (vimentin) to astrocyte-specific IF (GFA protein) occurring at the time of glial differentiation, suggested that immature glia display mesenchymal properties relevant to morphogenesis such as the production of an extracellular matrix playing a role in cell migration and axonal growth, and that the loss of these properties following differentiation may account for the lack of regeneration in mature spinal cord. Preliminary observations are consistent with this hypothesis. We have identified in mature CNS a brain-specific hyaluronate-binding protein produced by white matter (but not gray matter) astrocytes. Conversely, other hyaluronate-binding fractions co-localized in brain and mesenchyma during embryonal development.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS013034-18
Application #
3395076
Study Section
Pathology A Study Section (PTHA)
Project Start
1979-05-01
Project End
1994-04-30
Budget Start
1992-05-01
Budget End
1993-04-30
Support Year
18
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
082359691
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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Tona, A; Bignami, A (1993) Effect of hyaluronidase on brain extracellular matrix in vivo and optic nerve regeneration. J Neurosci Res 36:191-9

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