High impact information on SSPO

• From the ClustalW alignment of bovine (Bos taurus), human (Homo sapiens), murine (Mus musculus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) proteins, a consensus sequence for mammalian SCO-spondin was determined and further validated with the dog (Canis familiaris) SCO-spondin sequence [1].
• With the advance of the systematic whole genomes sequencing, we were able to determine the SCO-spondin amino acid sequence in four mammalian species using the Wise2 software [1].
• SCO-spondin and RF-GlyI: two designations for the same glycoprotein secreted by the subcommissural organ [2].
• (1998), we extended the reading frame and identified new conserved domains in the 3' end of SCO-spondin [2].
• The putative function of SCO-spondin on axonal pathfinding is discussed regarding the presence of a great number of thrombospondin type 1 repeats [2].

Biological context of SSPO

• Transcription of SCO-spondin in the subcommissural organ: evidence for down-regulation mediated by serotonin [3].
• The analysis of this consensus sequence is consistent with a very high degree of conservation in the amino acids composition and multidomain organization of SCO-spondin in mammals [1].
• Furthermore, evidence was obtained that (i) adrenaline and noradrenaline share the same binding site, and that this site would correspond to a repeated sequence present in the SCO-spondin, the major protein component of RF; and (ii) serotonin has its own binding site in RF [4].
• On the basis of partial sequence homologies of SCO-spondin with protein domains implicated in cell-cell contacts, cell-matrix interactions and neurite outgrowth it is possible to suggest that the SCO-spondin secreted by the FP is involved in CNS development [5].
• FP-translation of the SCO-spondin encoded polypeptide(s) was demonstrated by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry, using antisera raised against (i) the glycoproteins secreted by the bovine SCO, and (ii) a peptide derived from the open reading frame of the major SCO secretory protein, SCO-spondin, respectively [5].

Anatomical context of SSPO

• On the basis of SCO-spondin sequence (the major RF glycoprotein) and experimental findings, the SCO has been implicated in central nervous system development; however, its function(s) after birth remain unclear [3].
• These results indicate that 5HT down-regulates SCO-spondin biosynthesis but apparently not its release, and suggest that 5HT may exert the effect on the SCO via the cerebrospinal fluid [3].
• Peptides corresponding to SCO-spondin TSRs markedly increased adhesivity and neuritic outgrowth of cortical neurons and induced disaggregation of spinal cord neurons [6].
• Bovine SCO-spondin is a glycoprotein secreted by the subcommissural organ (SCO), an ependymal derivative located in the roof of the third ventricle [7].

Other interactions of SSPO

• Furthermore, in the cultured floor plate cells, SCO-spondin may be secreted through a route bypassing the Golgi apparatus [8].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of SSPO

• In addition, we amplified, cloned, and sequenced a PCR product of 3 kb spanning both the known SCO-spondin and RF-GlyI sequences [2].
• From the RT-PCR product generated and by nested PCR techniques, we amplified both SCO-spondin and RF-GlyI specific products with the expected length [2].
• As Reissner's fiber is highly conserved in the chordate central nervous system, we sought genes orthologous to the bovine SCO-spondin gene by Southern blot analysis in several members of the chordate phylum: urochordates, cephalochordates, cyclostomes, and lower and higher vertebrates, including humans [9].
• Using SCO-spondin cDNAs as probes, we analysed the specific expression of the corresponding gene in the bovine SCO by Northern blot and in situ hybridization (ISH) [7].
• Additional evidence pointing to active transcription and translation of a SCO-spondin related gene was obtained in long term FP organ cultures [5].

References