The neuropathology observed in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is strikingly similar to that observed in humans with mutations in the cell adhesion molecule L1. Since these L1 mutations are known to disrupt extracellular adhesion and some are presumed to block intracellular signaling, the effects of FAS may be due in part to disrupted LI adhesive signal transduction during development. During development cell adhesion molecules (CAMS) mediate many of the cell-cell interactions essential for appropriate axon pathfinding and synapse formation. In order for CAMS to do this, they are restricted to particular cell types, targeted to either axons or dendrites, and in many cases, to particular regions within axons and dendrites. Virtually nothing is known about how CAMS become targeted to particular cellular domains, how they are retained or for molecules of the Ig superfamily, how adhesive signals are transduced from the surface to the cytoskeleton. The overall goal of this proposal is to define intracellular sorting strategies and signaling pathways that are employed by the axonal CAM L1 and to determine whether these strategies are undermined by exposure to alcohol. To do this, we will identify the molecular domains required to mediate some of the functions of L1 so that ultimately we may identify signaling pathways that are disrupted by alcohol during critical developmental. periods.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21AA012971-03
Application #
6629695
Study Section
Health Services Research Review Subcommittee (AA)
Program Officer
Foudin, Laurie L
Project Start
2001-06-01
Project End
2005-05-31
Budget Start
2003-06-01
Budget End
2005-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$169,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
078861598
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10029
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Dickson, Tracey C; Mintz, C David; Benson, Deanna L et al. (2002) Functional binding interaction identified between the axonal CAM L1 and members of the ERM family. J Cell Biol 157:1105-12
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