Identification and characterization of CEPU-Se-A secreted isoform of the IgLON family protein, CEPU-1.

CEPU-1/Neurotrimin is a neuronal glycoprotein thought to play a role in axon guidance and cell-cell recognition. It is a member of the IgLON family, has three C2 domains, and is attached to the plasma membrane by a GPI-anchor. We report here the characterisation of an alternatively-spliced isoform of CEPU-1 that is secreted. This isoform, termed CEPU-Se, is coexpressed with CEPU-1 in retina, cerebellum, and DRG neurons. In the cerebellum CEPU-1/CEPU-Se is expressed predominantly on granule cells and in the molecular layer. Divalent but not monovalent CEPU-Se interacts with CEPU-1 and other IgLONs, suggesting that the ability of CEPU-Se to modify the activity of the IgLON family may require an additional cofactor. CEPU-Se does not support the outgrowth of DRG neurons or the extension of established growth cones; however, neurite outgrowth on laminin is unaffected by CEPU-Se. Our data suggest that CEPU-Se may act to modulate the ability of CEPU-1, LAMP, and OBCAM to influence neurite outgrowth. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.