New insights into the roles of agrin

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2003 Apr;4(4):295-308. doi: 10.1038/nrm1074.

Abstract

The heparan sulphate proteoglycan agrin is expressed as several isoforms in various tissues. Agrin is best known as a crucial organizer of postsynaptic differentiation at the neuromuscular junction, but it has recently also been implicated in the formation of the immunological synapse, the organization of the cytoskeleton and the amelioration of function in diseased muscle. So the activities of agrin might be of broader significance than previously anticipated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agrin / genetics
  • Agrin / physiology*
  • Alternative Splicing
  • Animals
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Protein Isoforms / physiology
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Agrin
  • Protein Isoforms