No go for brain tumors?

The Nogo gene and its products are well known as adult central nervous system (CNS) myelin inhibitors of neuronal regeneration. We review here experimental findings that might link Nogo to CNS malignancy. These links are founded on two very different modes of cellular action by Nogo isoforms. Acting intracellularly and in conjunction with other molecules, cytoplasmic domains of Nogo might predispose cancer cells to apoptotic susceptibility. On the other hand, extracellular domains of Nogo might inhibit the migration and invasion of CNS tumors. Depending on the physiological context, Nogo isoforms might therefore be antitumorigenic or have tumor-suppressing activities.