Altered expression of nectin-like adhesion molecules in the peripheral nerve after sciatic nerve transection

Following axotomy several processes involving cell-cell interaction occur, such as loss of synapses, axon guidance, and remyelination. Two recently discovered families of cell-cell adhesion molecules, nectins and nectin-like molecules (necls) are involved in such processes in vitro and during development, but their roles in nerve injury have been largely unknown until recently. We have previously shown that axotomized motoneurons increase their expression of nectin-1 and nectin-3 and maintain a high expression of necl-1. We here investigate the expression of potential binding partners for motoneuron nectins and necls in the injured peripheral nerve. In situ hybridization (ISH) revealed a decreased signal for necl-1 mRNA in the injured nerve, whereas no signal for necl-2 was detected before or after injury. The signals for necl-4 and necl-5 mRNA both increased in the injured nerve and necl immunoreactivity displayed a close relation to axon and Schwann cell markers. Finally, signal for mRNA encoding necl-5 increased in axotomized spinal motoneurons. We conclude that peripheral axotomy results in altered expression of several necls in motoneurons and Schwann cells, suggesting involvement of the molecules in regeneration.