The nerve growth factor receptor gene is expressed in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues in the human fetus.
In situ hybridization was used to study expression of beta-nerve growth factor receptor (NGF-R) mRNA in the early human fetus. In 8- to 12-week old fetuses, high labelling was found over motoneurons along the entire length of the lateral motor column. High levels of NGF-R mRNA were also seen over most developing nerve cell bodies in both the dorsomedial and ventrolateral part of the dorsal root ganglia. Lower, but clearly specific labelling was detected over a subpopulation of cells in Auerbach's plexus in the intestines. Evidence for a non-neuronal expression of NGF-R mRNA came from labelling over a subpopulation of cells in glomeruli of the kidney in a 12-week old human embryo. Myoblasts in skeletal muscle anlagen were labelled as well as cells along peripheral nerve. The widespread expression of NGF-R mRNA in the human fetus suggests that the NGF-R is important for development of a variety of different tissues of both neuronal and non-neuronal origin.
Ernfors
P
P
Department of Medical Chemistry, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Wetmore
C
C
Eriksdotter-Nilsson
M
M
Bygdeman
M
M
Strömberg
I
I
Olson
L
L
Persson
H
H
D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics*; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor