Function of an Axonal Chemoattractant Modulated by Metalloprotease Activity

• DOI: 10.1126/science.289.5483.1365
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:48:21Z
• Authors: Michael J. Galko; Marc Tessier-Lavigne
• Keywords: Netrin; Ectodomain; ADAM10; Neurite

The axonal chemoattractant netrin-1 guides spinal commissural axons by activating its receptor DCC (Deleted in Colorectal Cancer). We have found that chemical inhibitors of metalloproteases potentiate netrin-mediated axon outgrowth vitro. also is a substrate for metalloprotease-dependent ectodomain shedding, and the block proteolytic processing cause an increase protein levels on within cord explants. Thus, potentiation netrin activity may result from stabilization axons, regulate migration controlling number functional extracellular guidance receptors.