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Expression of occ1 mRNA in the visual cortex during postnatal development in macaques
Shiro Tochitani1, Tsutomu Hashikawa, Tetsuo Yamamori
1Division of Speciation Mechanisms I, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.
Neuroscience Letters
|January 16, 2003
Summary
The occ1 gene is expressed in the primary visual cortex of monkeys from birth. Its expression pattern changes during development, suggesting experience-dependent regulation in the visual cortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Gene Expression
Background:
- The occ1 gene is known to be expressed in the primary visual cortex of adult monkeys.
- This expression is regulated in an activity-dependent manner.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in occ1 gene mRNA expression in the primary visual cortex of monkeys.
- To compare occ1 mRNA expression across different developmental stages: newborn, 3-month-old, and adult.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of occ1 mRNA expression.
- Comparison of expression patterns in the primary visual cortex at different ages.
Main Results:
- occ1 mRNA is preferentially expressed in the primary visual cortex of newborn monkeys.
- The laminar pattern of occ1 expression in the visual cortex undergoes changes during development.
- Expression is present from birth and continues to be regulated postnatally.
Conclusions:
- occ1 gene expression is established early in the primary visual cortex.
- Developmental changes in occ1 expression suggest a role for experience-dependent regulation.
- The occ1 gene is important for the developmental plasticity of the primary visual cortex.