Description
MAG (Myelin-associated glycoprotein), also known as SIGLEC4A, is a cell membrane glycoprotein that is a member of the SIGLEC family of proteins and is a functional ligand of the NOGO-66 receptor, NgR. It is thought to be involved in the process of myelination. Cleavage of GPI-linked proteins from axons protects growth cones from MAG-induced collapse, and dominant-negative NgR eliminates MAG inhibition of neurite outgrowth. MAG-resistant embryonic neurons were rendered MAG-sensitive by expression of NgR. MAG binds specifically to an NgR-expressing cell line in a GPI-dependent and sialic acid-independent manner. Experiments blocking NgR from interacting with MAG prevented inhibition of neurite outgrowth by MAG. In cultured human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells expressing the NOGO receptor, p75(NTR) was required for MAG-induced intracellular calcium elevation