Abstract
During development, neuronal growth cones and axons recognize sequentially molecular guidance cues along their paths and form precise axonal pathways. Carbohydrate chains of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (chondroitin sulfates, CSs) exert various effects on axonal elongation in extracellular environment of the nervous system; however, it has been difficult to examine relationship between CS structural diversity and its function. This review presents experimental approaches using CS derivatives in pathway formation. Biotinylated CS allowed us to reveal that growing axons are thought to improve microenvironment for their growth by modifying CS carbohydrate chains. Lipid−derivatized CS enabled us to investigate relationship between structural diversity of CS and its functional specificity on growth cones behaviors. In vitro experiments with using CS derivatives are important because of approaching directly to CS function.
