Differential expression of individual gamma-protocadherins during mouse brain development.
Three tandemly arrayed protocadherin gene clusters (Pcdh-alpha, -beta, -gamma) comprising more than 50 genes are found in human and mouse. Here, we have investigated the expression and distribution of individual gamma-protocadherins (Pcdhs-gamma) in the developing mouse brain. We find that transfection of Pcdh-gamma genes promotes calcium-dependent cell adhesion in HEK 293 cells. Furthermore, Pcdh-gamma can be recruited to synapses of transfected primary hippocampal neurons. Several individual members of the in total 22 Pcdhs-gamma were chosen to examine the expression of the three subfamilies, Pcdh-gammaA, -gammaB, and -gammaC. These Pcdh-gamma transcripts are expressed all over the brain, with minor regional and cell-type specific differences. Interestingly, a distinct, later onset of expression is observed for Pcdh-gammaC5, a gene located at the end of the Pcdh-gamma cluster. Largely overlapping expression patterns of individual Pcdh-gamma proteins are detected with anti-peptide antibodies. Small differences are observed in the staining of dendritic processes and synapse-rich layers. Our results support the idea that Pcdhs-gamma participate in neuronal differentiation and may be implicated in the fine-tuning of neuronal morphology and synaptogenesis. Cell autonomous regulation of transcription might generate the widespread distribution of individual Pcdhs-gamma in the brain, which is strikingly different from the restricted expression patterns observed for classical cadherins. Thus, a defined set of Pcdhs-gamma may engage in neuronal adhesion and signaling on the cellular level.
Frank
Marcus
M
Department of Molecular Embryology, Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany. frank@immunbio.mpg.de
Ebert
Matthias
M
Shan
Weisong
W
Phillips
Greg R
GR
Arndt
Kirsten
K
Colman
David R
DR
Kemler
Rolf
R
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D000070585:Cadherin Related Proteins; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003712:Dendrites / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014162:Transfection
D000070585:Cadherin Related Proteins; D015820:Cadherins; C464785:Gamma-protocadherins; D020033:Protein Isoforms