Nav2 is necessary for cranial nerve development and blood pressure regulation.
BACKGROUND
All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) is required for nervous system development, including the developing hindbrain region. Neuron navigator 2 (Nav2) was first identified as an atRA-responsive gene in human neuroblastoma cells (retinoic acid-induced in neuroblastoma 1, Rainb1), and is required for atRA-mediated neurite outgrowth. In this paper, we explore the importance of Nav2 in nervous system development and function in vivo.


RESULTS
Nav2 hypomorphic homozygous mutants show decreased survival starting at birth. Nav2 mutant embryos show an overall reduction in nerve fiber density, as well as specific defects in cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus). Nav2 hypomorphic mutant adult mice also display a blunted baroreceptor response compared to wild-type controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Nav2 functions in mammalian nervous system development, and is required for normal cranial nerve development and blood pressure regulation in the adult.
McNeill
Elizabeth M
EM
Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
Roos
Kenneth P
KP
Moechars
Dieder
D
Clagett-Dame
Margaret
M
D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005930:Glossopharyngeal Nerve / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D006720:Homozygote; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009154:Mutation; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011311:Pressoreceptors / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D012249:Rhombencephalon / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism
C549200:Nav2 protein, mouse; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins