Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 sense and antisense mRNA and FGF receptor type 1 mRNA are present in the embryonic and adult rat nervous system: specific detection by nuclease protection assay.
In the present study, we attempted to clarify the controversial question whether basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2) mRNA is present or absent in the embryonic central nervous system (CNS). For this purpose we analyzed the expression of the FGF-2 mRNA in the embryonic and adult forebrain, brainstem, and spinal cord using the highly specific ribonuclease protection assay. Using this method we were able to detect FGF-2 mRNA in the rat CNS of embryonic day (E) 16 and 17, however, at lower levels compared to adult FGF-2 mRNA levels. In addition, we show that a FGF-2 antisense transcript is expressed in embryonic CNS tissue. Furthermore, using this method, we demonstrate FGF receptor 1 mRNA in the rat embryonic and adult CNS. The presence of FGF-2 and FGF receptor 1 suggests a physiological role for this growth factor during the development of the embryonic CNS.
Grothe
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Institute of Anatomy, University of Freiburg, Germany.
Meisinger
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D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000235:genetics*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D016372:RNA, Antisense / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D012260:Ribonucleases
D016372:RNA, Antisense; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D012260:Ribonucleases