Distribution of Mahogany/Attractin mRNA in the rat central nervous system.
The Mahogany/Attractin gene (Atrn) has been proposed as a downstream mediator of Agouti signaling because yellow hair color and obesity in lethal yellow (A(y)) mice are suppressed by the mahogany (Atrn(mg)) mutation. The present study examined the distribution of Atrn mRNA in the brain and spinal cord by in situ hybridization. Atrn mRNA was found widely distributed throughout the central nervous system, with high levels in regions of the olfactory system, some limbic structures, regions of the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. In the hypothalamus, Atrn mRNA was found in specific nuclei including the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the supraoptic nucleus, the medial preoptic nucleus, the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, and the arcuate nucleus. These results suggest a broad spectrum of physiological functions for the Atrn gene product.
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University of Michigan School of Medicine, Mental Health Research Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0720, USA.
Gunn
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Shieh
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Barsh
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Akil
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Watson
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D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006706:Homeostasis; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014018:Tissue Distribution
C492191:Atrn protein, rat; D006023:Glycoproteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger