CNR/Pcdhalpha family in subplate neurons, and developing cortical connectivity

Neuroreport. 2004 Dec 3;15(17):2595-9. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200412030-00007.

Abstract

The cadherin-related neuronal receptor (CNR)/protocadherin (Pcdh) alpha family is one of the diverse protocadherin families identified as a candidate diversified membrane-associated component regulating the formation of neuronal connectivity. However, its expression during neural circuit formation has not been examined in detail. Here, we used a conserved sequence to study the expression of this protein family during the development of neocortical connectivity, by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The proteins were detected in developing thalamocortical and corticofugal axons, and in subplate neurons, which pioneer these axon tracts. The expression in subplate neurons was confirmed by birth-date labeling with BrdU, and by examination in homozygous reeler mice. This pattern of CNR/Pcdhalpha expression suggests its involvement in the development of neocortical connectivity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western / methods
  • Bromodeoxyuridine / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans / metabolism
  • Contactin 2
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • In Situ Hybridization / methods
  • Indoles / metabolism
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Mice, Neurologic Mutants
  • Neocortex / cytology
  • Neocortex / embryology
  • Neocortex / metabolism*
  • Neural Pathways / embryology*
  • Neural Pathways / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptides / genetics
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism
  • Protocadherins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • CNTN2 protein, human
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans
  • Cntn2 protein, mouse
  • Contactin 2
  • Indoles
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex
  • Myc protein, mouse
  • Neuropeptides
  • Pcdha4 protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Protocadherins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • DAPI
  • Bromodeoxyuridine