Stick around: Cell–Cell Adhesion Molecules during Neocortical Development

Abstract

The neocortex is an exquisitely organized structure achieved through complex cellular processes from the generation of neural cells to their integration into cortical circuits after complex migration processes. During this long journey, neural cells need to establish and release adhesive interactions through cell surface receptors known as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Several types of CAMs have been described regulating different aspects of neurodevelopment. Whereas some of them mediate interactions with the extracellular matrix, others allow contact with additional cells. In this review, we will focus on the role of two important families of cell–cell adhesion molecules (C-CAMs), classical cadherins and nectins, as well as in their effectors, in the control of fundamental processes related with corticogenesis, with special attention in the cooperative actions among the two families of C-CAMs.

Association of DNA Methylation Patterns in 7 Novel Genes With Ischemic Stroke in the Northern Chinese Population

“…Like the PCDHs, classic CDHs have been implicated in neurulation, brain development, and regulation of synaptic function ( Polanco et al, 2021 ; de Agustín-Durán et al, 2021 ; Sanes and Zipursky, 2020 ). They are also involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques ( He et al, 2017 ), which is an important clinical feature of IS.…”

Engineering Tissues of the Central Nervous System: Interfacing Conductive Biomaterials with Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells

“…While cellular and physiological mechanisms governing NS/PC maintenance and differentiation are not yet fully understood, these microenvironmental features are hypothesized to act together to drive development and support tissue function. [59,60] Biomaterials have been developed to mimic these microenvironmental features, enabling researchers to leverage the same biological pathways used in native tissues to control neural cell behavior.…”

“…Cell–cell contacts are fundamental to dictating NS/PC behavior during CNS development (Figure 2), as recently reviewed by Agustín‐Durán et al [ 62 ] For example, direct interactions among cultured NS/PCs have been found to upregulate neurotropic factor production. [ 63 ] Gap junctions among NS/PCs themselves are particularly important, as they conduct ionic currents between coupled cells that can generate EFs across CNS tissues, [ 64 ] and are thought to lay the groundwork for subsequent development of chemical synapses between mature neurons.…”

Altering Cell-Cell Interaction in Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Models: Insight on Cell-Adhesion Molecules During Brain Development

“…During the last 50 years various families of CAMs have been described ( Rutishauser et al, 1976 ) and their role in development of brain structures explored ( Franco and Müller, 2013 ; de Agustín-Durán et al, 2021 ). CAMs play a pivotal role in neural migration, axon growth, and synaptogenesis ( Hirano and Takeichi, 2012 ; Hippenmeyer, 2013 ; Mandai et al, 2015 ; Martinez-Garay, 2020 ).…”

“…N-cadherin plays an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of the neural tube and cortical structure during development ( Radice et al, 1997 ; Kadowaki et al, 2007 ; Punovuori et al, 2021 ). The complexity of the CNS depends on key role played by N-cadherin, which controls cell migration, synapse formation and maintenance of progenitor pool ( Togashi et al, 2002 ; Bekirov et al, 2008 ; Rieger et al, 2009 ; Camand et al, 2012 ; de Agustín-Durán et al, 2021 ). For this reason N-cadherin levels are tightly regulated, and upregulation and downregulation can lead to significant alterations during CNS development.…”