Localization of Neogenin protein during morphogenesis in the mouse embryo.
Neogenin, a close relative of the axon guidance receptor DCC, has been shown to be a receptor for members of the Netrin and Repulsive Guidance Molecule families. Recent studies have begun to uncover a role for Neogenin in organogenesis. Here we examine the localization of Neogenin protein in the developing mouse embryo (embryonic day 14.5) when organogenesis is progressing rapidly. We observe that Neogenin protein is restricted to distinct tissue layers within a given organ. In some embryonic epithelia such as the gut and pancreas, Neogenin protein is predominantly polarized to the basal surfaces of the epithelial cells. In contrast, Neogenin is restricted to mesenchymal cells within the lung and kidney. Neogenin is also seen in differentiating skeletal muscle and condensing cartilage throughout the embryo, and in the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. This study supports the emerging role for Neogenin as a key receptor in the establishment of the morphological architecture in many developing organ systems.
Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Daniel P
DP
Fitzgerald
Clare
C
Seaman
Helen M
HM
Cooper
D000818:Animals; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL
D008565:Membrane Proteins; C091279:neogenin