Signaling by Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans

National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

We have now demonstrated the the Lipid Phosphate Phosphatase-Related Proteins (LPPRs) can modulate neuronal adhesion and the cytoskeleton through interactions with RhoGDI that modulated both RhoA and Rac1 GTPases We have created knockout mice for the LPPR-1 and LPPR-3 and are now characterizing these mice. A paper describing these results has been published and another is in preparation. Immunoblotting is an essential method for understanding the role of molecules in biology. Immunoblotting is a technique which normally takes a significant amount of time per blot. We have devised methods which significantly reduce the time it takes for immunoblots. This has been published. Glycosaminoglycan chains are essential parts of proteoglycans, and their structure conveys significant information. Immunoblotting for GAG chains is difficult, and sometimes unreliable. We have developed novel methods that improve this use of immunoblotting for both chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate GAG chains. This has been published. We have found that xylosides, compounds that are used to alter proteoglycan GAG chain composition, have significant actions at concentrations lower than those previously reported to reduce GAG chains can alter growth cone morphology. Evidence points to a novel signaling mechanism triggered by xylsides only at low concentrations. A publication is nearly ready for submission.