Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2017, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (9): 1551-1558.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.215268

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Structure and function of the contactin-associated protein family in myelinated axons and their relationship with nerve diseases

Yan Zou, Wei-feng Zhang, Hai-ying Liu, Xia Li, Xing Zhang, Xiao-fang Ma, Yang Sun, Shi-yi Jiang, Quan-hong Ma, De-en Xu   

  1. Department of Neurology, The Second People’s Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Received:2017-06-10 Online:2017-09-15 Published:2017-09-15
  • Contact: De-en Xu, Ph.D.,xudeen@126.com.
  • Supported by:

    This study was supported by a grant from the Instructional Program of Science and Technology Bureau of Wuxi City of China, No.0302B010507130039PB.

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Abstract:

The contactin-associated protein (Caspr) family participates in nerve excitation and conduction, and neurotransmitter release in myelinated axons. We analyzed the structures and functions of the Caspr family–CNTNAP1 (Caspr1), CNTNAP2 (Caspr2), CNTNAP3 (Caspr3), CNTNAP4 (Caspr4) and CNTNAP5 (Caspr5), Caspr1–5 is not only involved in the formation of myelinated axons, but also participates in maintaining the stability of adjacent connections. Caspr1 participates in the formation, differentiation, and proliferation of neurons and astrocytes, and in motor control and cognitive function. We also analyzed the relationship between the Caspr family and neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune encephalitis. However, the effects of Caspr on disease course and prognosis remain poorly understood. The effects of Caspr on disease diagnosis and treatment need further investigation.

Key words: nerve regeneration, contactin-associated protein family, myelinated axon, structure, function, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, neurodegeneration, neural regeneration