Lazarillo, a neuronal lipocalin in grasshoppers with a role in axon guidance

In this report we present a review on the grasshopper lipocalin Lazarillo w ith special emphasis on how its molecular properties could account for its known function: the guidance of pioneer neurons during nervous system devel opment. The expression and function of Lazarillo in a subset of developing neurons, its heavy glycosylation and its glycosylphosphatidylinositol linka ge to the plasma membrane, make Lazarillo a unique member of the lipocalin family. We have built a model of the tertiary structure of Lazarillo in whi ch we have studied the exposed surfaces in search for clues about ligand an d protein interactions with Lazarillo. Our hypotheses about how this lipoca lin can exert its function are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.