Cadherin-defined segments and parasagittal cell ribbons in the developing chicken cerebellum.
In the developing chicken cerebellar cortex, three cadherins (Cad6B, Cad7, and R-cadherin) are expressed in distinct parasagittal segments that are separated from each other by ribbons of migrating interneurons and granule cells which express R-cadherin and Cad7, respectively. The segment/ribbon pattern is respected by the expression of other types of molecules, such as engrailed-2 and SC1/BEN/DM-GRASP. The cadherin-defined segments contain young Purkinje cells which are connected to underlying nuclear zones expressing the same cadherin, thereby forming parasagittal cortico-nuclear zones of topographically organized connections. In addition, R-cadherin-positive mossy fiber terminals display a periodic pattern in the internal granular layer. In this layer, Cad7 and R-cadherin are associated with synaptic complexes. These results suggest that cadherins play a pivotal role in the formation of functional cerebellar architecture by providing a three-dimensional scaffold of adhesive information.
Arndt
K
K
Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Germany.
Nakagawa
S
S
Takeichi
M
M
Redies
C
C
D000818:Animals; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D030161:Avian Proteins; D001931:Brain Mapping; D015820:Cadherins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002525:Cerebellar Cortex / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002529:Cerebellar Nuclei / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D002642:Chick Embryo; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D030161:Avian Proteins; C094294:Cad7 protein, Gallus gallus; D015820:Cadherins; C083970:R-cadherin; C094293:cad6B protein, Gallus gallus