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Abstract
Repulsive guidance cues can steer neuronal growth cones during development and prevent
mature axons from regenerating. We have identified a 100 kd glycoprotein in the chick
brain that is a good candidate for a repulsive cue. Since it induces the collapse
and paralysis of neuronal growth cones in vitro, we have named it collapsin. It is
effective at concentrations of approximately 10 pM. The C-terminal half of collapsin
contains a single immunoglobulin-like domain and an additional highly basic region.
The N-terminal half of collapsin shares significant homology with fasciclin IV, a
growth cone guidance protein in grasshopper. Recombinant collapsin causes sensory
ganglion growth cones to collapse but not retinal ganglion cell growth cones. We propose
that collapsin could serve as a ligand that guides specific growth cones by a motility-inhibiting
mechanism.