title: Differential expression, alternative splicing, and adhesive properties of the zebrafish δ1-protocadherins.
abstract: Protocadherins comprise the largest family within the cadherin superfamily of cell surface receptors. Here, we characterize the δ1-protocadherin subfamily during the development of the zebrafish nervous system. In zebrafish, there are five δ1-protocadherins: pcdh1a, pcdh1b, pcdh7a, pcdh7b, andpcdh9. Each protocadherin gene is highly homologous to its human ortholog. While the expression pattern in the developing CNS is similar for each δ1-protocadherin, with labeling observed in all major subdivisions, the detailed patterns are distinct. In addition, we provide evidence for alternative splicing of the pcdh7b and pcdh9 genes, resulting in variation in their respective cytoplasmic domains. As protocadherins are widely regarded to act as cell adhesion molecules, we used in vitro assays of δ1-pcdh ectodomains to directly test their adhesive properties. We found no evidence for calcium-dependent, homophilic adhesion, contrasting sharply with the behavior of classical cadherins.
authors: Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors: C J
authors: CJ
authors: Blevins
authors: M R
authors: MR
authors: Emond
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Biswas
authors: J D
authors: JD
authors: Jontes
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000235:genetics*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015027:Zebrafish; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins