MIGRATION OF SCHWANN CELL PRECURSORS (SCPs) IS REGULATED BY INTERACTIONS OF N-CADHERIN-MEDIATED ADHESION AND EPHRIN-A2-INDUCED SCP CONTRACTILITY

Abstract

Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) migrate with peripheral sensory axons from DRGs to target regions. SCP migration involves adhesions to substrata to stabilize advancing cell margins, and contractile forces that pull a SCP forward and break rear adhesions. Ncadherin on axons provides adhesion for SCPs, and ephrin-A2 signaling from axons stimulates SCP contractions to complete SCP translocation. Modulation of these adhesive and contractile forces regulates SCP migratioin during development of peripheral nerves.