Thy-1 as a regulator of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in axon regeneration, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, cancer, and fibrosis

FASEB J. 2006 Jun;20(8):1045-54. doi: 10.1096/fj.05-5460rev.

Abstract

Thy-1 (CD90) is a 25-37 kDa glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) -anchored glycoprotein expressed on many cell types, including T cells, thymocytes, neurons, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Activation of Thy-1 can promote T cell activation, and this role of Thy-1 is reviewed elsewhere. Thy-1 also affects numerous nonimmunologic biological processes, including cellular adhesion, neurite outgrowth, tumor growth, migration, and cell death. In reviewing the nonimmunologic functions of Thy-1, we discuss the phenotype of the Thy-1 null mouse, signaling pathways modulated by Thy-1, the role of the GPI anchor in Thy-1 localization to lipid rafts and signaling, and regulation of Thy-1 expression. Thy-1 is an important regulator of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, with important roles in nerve regeneration, metastasis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Axons / physiology
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Movement
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplastic Processes
  • Nerve Regeneration
  • Thy-1 Antigens / physiology*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Thy-1 Antigens
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins