# Neuroglial interactions at nodes of Ranvier

> **NIH NIH R01** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2020 · $491,402

## Abstract

Project Summary:
Ion channel clustering in myelinated axons is essential for proper nervous system function. Ion
channels are clustered at nodes of Ranvier through neuron-glia interactions. However, the
mechanisms responsible for channel clustering and neuron-glia interactions remain poorly
understood. Our work shows that multiple glia-dependent mechanisms contribute to node
formation. Furthermore, these mechanisms converge on axonal and glial ankyrin and spectrin
cytoskeletons. In this project, we will determine the importance of nodal spectrin cytoskeletons
by analyzing conditional knockout mice lacking βI and βIV spectrins, singly and in combination.
We also discovered that AnkyrinR (AnkR) can function as secondary Na+ channel clustering
mechanism. However, the primary functions of AnkR in the nervous system are unknown. We
generated a conditional allele for AnkR and will use this in loss-of-function studies to determine
the role of AnkR in various cells throughout the nervous system. We performed differential
proteomics on WT and AnkR-deficient brains together with immunoprecipitation to identify AnkR
interacting proteins. We will investigate these interactions to further define the functions of
AnkR in the nervous system. Finally, in a discovery aim, we will use a newly generated mouse
(Nfasc-BioID) to perform in vivo proximity biotinylation at nodes and paranodes. We will then
capture these proteins using streptavidin affinity purification, followed by mass spectrometry to
identify biotinylated proteins. This will begin to uncover the node and paranode interactomes.
We will validate and investigate these biotinylated proteins through localization, and gain and
loss of function studies both in vitro and in vivo.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9949802
- **Project number:** 5R01NS044916-20
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** MATTHEW N RASBAND
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $491,402
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2002-09-30 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9949802

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9949802, Neuroglial interactions at nodes of Ranvier (5R01NS044916-20). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9949802. Licensed CC0.

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