Abstract
Clustered protocadherins mediate neuronal self-recognition and non-self discrimination—neuronal “barcoding”—which underpin neuronal self-avoidance in vertebrate neurons. Recent structural, biophysical, computational, and cell-based studies on protocadherin structure and function have led to a compelling molecular model for the barcoding mechanism. Protocadherin isoforms assemble into promiscuous cis-dimeric recognition units and mediate cell–cell recognition through homophilic trans-interactions. Each recognition unit is composed of two arms extending from the membrane proximal EC6 domains. A cis-dimeric recognition unit with each arm coding adhesive trans homophilic specificity can generate a zipper-like assembly that in turn suggests a chain termination mechanism for self-vs-non-self-discrimination among vertebrate neurons.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 140-150 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology |
Volume | 69 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cell-cell recognition
- Clustered protocadherins
- Crystal structure
- Neuronal self-avoidance
- Protein interaction specificity
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology