Role of integrins in peripheral nerves and hereditary neuropathies

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Neuromolecular Med. 2006;8(1-2):191-204.

Role of integrins in peripheral nerves and hereditary neuropathies.

Berti C, Nodari A, Wrabetz L, Feltri ML.

San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Via Olgettina 58, 20132

Milano, Italy.

Interactions between Schwann cells and extracellular matrix on one

surface, and axons on the other, are required for correct myelination

in the developing peripheral nervous system.

Integrins are transmembrane proteins that mediate the former in

association with other surface receptors.

This review focuses on the role that integrins play in the

development of the peripheral nervous system, and in inherited human

peripheral neuropathies.

Here we describe recent findings on integrin signaling to different

intracellular pathways, focusing on cell adhesion, migration, and

polarization. Then we use information derived from recent experiments

of targeted mutagenesis in mice to show that, consistent with

temporally regulated expression, different integrins serve multiple

roles in developing nerve.