PTP[sigma] Is a Receptor for Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan, an Inhibitor of Neural Regeneration.
Shen, Yingjie 1,*; Tenney, Alan P. 1,*,+; Busch, Sarah A. 2; Horn, Kevin P. 2; Cuascut, Fernando X. 2; Liu, Kai 3; He, Zhigang 3; Silver, Jerry 2; Flanagan, John G. 1,++
[Report] Science. 326(5952):592-596, October 23, 2009.

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: Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) present a barrier to axon regeneration. However, no specific receptor for the inhibitory effect of CSPGs has been identified. We showed that a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTP[sigma], binds with high affinity to neural CSPGs. Binding involves the chondroitin sulfate chains and a specific site on the first immunoglobulin-like domain of PTP[sigma]. In culture, PTP[sigma]-/- neurons show reduced inhibition by CSPG. A PTP[sigma] fusion protein probe can detect cognate ligands that are up-regulated specifically at neural lesion sites. After spinal cord injury, PTP[sigma] gene disruption enhanced the ability of axons to penetrate regions containing CSPG. These results indicate that PTP[sigma] can act as a receptor for CSPGs and may provide new therapeutic approaches to neural regeneration.

Copyright (C) 2009 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science