A Novel Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM)-associated Protein from Quail Myoblasts Is Related to Myotube Formation and Induction of Neurite-like Protrusions

To investigate the myotube formation, we identified and characterized a novel NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule)-associated protein, named MYONAP for myogenesis-related and NCAM-issociated protein. Suppression of MYONAP by antisense cDNA prevented myotubes from forming in spite of the expression of muscle specific proteins. Excess expression of MYONAP in presumptive QM-RSV myoblasts induced long protrusions like neurites in cooperation with microtubules. The results suggested that MYONAP influenced the functions of microtubules and was involved in the formation of myotubes via its interaction with NCAM.