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Mice that lack astrotactin have slowed neuronal migration
Niels C Adams1, Toshifumi Tomoda, Margaret Cooper
1Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021-6399, USA.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|February 28, 2002
Summary
Astrotactin is crucial for brain development, guiding cell migration along glial fibers. Its absence impairs cerebellar development, leading to motor coordination deficits in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Brain development involves precursor cell migration along glial fibers to form laminated structures.
- Astrotactin was previously identified as a neuronal ligand mediating this migration on glial fibers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo function of astrotactin in neuronal migration and brain development.
- To determine the consequences of astrotactin deficiency on cerebellar structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Generation of astrotactin null mice via targeted gene disruption.
- In vitro and in vivo assays using cerebellar granule cells.
- Assessment of neuron-glial binding, cell migration rates, and Purkinje cell development.
Main Results:
- Astrotactin null mice exhibited a 10% reduction in cerebellar size.
- Deficiency in astrotactin led to decreased neuron-glial binding and impaired cell migration.
- Abnormal Purkinje cell development and deficits in balance and coordination were observed.
Conclusions:
- Astrotactin is essential for in vivo migration of precursor cells along glial processes.
- This migration is critical for the formation of brain laminar structures and synaptic systems.
- Astrotactin plays a vital role in cerebellar development and motor function.