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Expression of the Ror1 and Ror2 receptor tyrosine kinase genes during mouse development
R Al-Shawi1, S V Ashton, C Underwood
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
Abstract:
Ror1 and Ror2 are orphan receptor tyrosine kinases that are most closely related to MuSK and the Trk family of neurotrophin receptors. We report the results of an extensive in situ hybridisation survey of the expression of these genes during mouse development. Expression of Ror1 and Ror2 differs markedly at early stages (E8.5--E9.5). At these times, Ror2 is expressed much more widely than Ror1, expression of which is largely restricted to head mesenchyme. At later stages of development (E12.5--E14.5), Ror1 expression expands and Ror2 expression becomes more restricted than at earlier times, although expression of Ror1 continues to be more restricted than that of Ror2. These changes result in overlapping expression domains but with major differences remaining. In many cases Ror1 is expressed in a sub-set of Ror2-expressing tissues; in others, there is complementary expression of Ror1 and Ror2. Ror1 and Ror2 are both expressed in derivatives of all three germ layers and in most organ systems, including the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urogenital and skeletal systems. Conspicuous themes are the expression in major sense organs, and in neural crest and its derivatives.
Insights
ROR1 and ROR2 receptor tyrosine kinases show distinct expression patterns during mouse development. Their expression domains overlap but also differ significantly across various organ systems and germ layers.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- ROR1 and ROR2 are orphan receptor tyrosine kinases.
- They are closely related to MuSK and Trk neurotrophin receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extensively survey the expression patterns of ROR1 and ROR2 during mouse embryonic development.
- To understand the spatial and temporal expression differences and overlaps between ROR1 and ROR2.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was used to analyze gene expression.
- Mouse embryos at various developmental stages (E8.5-E14.5) were examined.
Main Results:
- ROR2 expression is broader than ROR1 at early stages (E8.5-E9.5), with ROR1 mainly in head mesenchyme.
- At later stages (E12.5-E14.5), ROR1 expression expands while ROR2 becomes more restricted.
- Expression domains overlap, but ROR1 is often a subset of ROR2 expression, or they show complementary patterns.
- Both genes are expressed in derivatives of all three germ layers and across most organ systems, notably in sense organs and neural crest derivatives.
Conclusions:
- ROR1 and ROR2 exhibit dynamic and distinct expression profiles throughout mouse development.
- Their differential and overlapping expression suggests complex roles in the development of multiple organ systems, including the nervous system and sensory organs.