B-50/GAP-43 is a growth-associated phosphoprotein enriched in growth cones and in the presynaptic terminal. The expression of the protein is restricted to the nervous system and is highest in the first week after birth. In adult brain, B-50 is enriched in areas with high plasticity. The regulation of expression of the B-50 gene occurs both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level by unknown mechanisms. The gene contains 2 regions displaying promoter activity, the most 3' of which (P2) is the active one in vivo. Expression of B-50 in non-neuronal cells results in filopodial extensions whereas antibodies or antisense oligo's to B-50 prevent neurite outgrowth. The protein is important for neuronal pathfinding. Several post-translational modifications have been described, ADP-ribosylation and palmitoylation in the membrane binding domain, phosphorylation by PKC, casein kinase II and phosphorylase kinase, and dephosphorylation by several phosphatases, among which is calcineurin. Interactions of B-50 have been described with calmodulin, PIP kinase, F-actin, and phospholipids. Recent studies indicate that the phosphorylation state and amount of calmodulin bound to B-50 regulate the rate of transmitter release. Induction of long-term potentiation by high frequency stimulation of hippocampal slices results in an increased state of B-50 phosphorylation. This will increase the amount of free calmodulin in the presynaptic terminal and increase the amount of transmitter released. Although B-50 is involved in seemingly unrelated forms of neuronal plasticity, neurite outgrowth and transmitter release, our unifying hypothesis is that the protein plays an (unknown) essential, modulatory role in membrane expansion.
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