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Expression of FGF receptor gene in rat development
A Wanaka1, J Milbrandt, E M Johnson
1Department of Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Abstract:
We examined the expression of FGF-receptor (FGF-R) mRNA during rat development with in situ hybridization histochemistry. Embryonic tissues (E9, E12, E14, E17) and postnatal neural tissues (P1, P7, P14, adult) were examined. We detected significant levels of FGF-R mRNA in various tissues at different developmental stages. As postulated by previous studies using other methods, FGF-R gene expression was observed primarily in mesoderm- and neuroectoderm-derived tissues. In the nervous system, the pattern of gene expression was developmentally regulated; in embryos, FGF-R mRNA was mainly detected in the ependymal layer of the central nervous system (CNS). Postnatally, FGF-R transcripts were observed in specific neuronal populations, such as hippocampal neurons. FGF-R mRNA was also found in sensory systems such as trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia in late stage embryos; however, FGF-R mRNA decreased in the postnatal period. FGF-R mRNA expression was modulated in the developing retina: FGF-R messages were observed in the pigment epithelium and neuroblast layer at embryonic stages; in the postnatal period, they were found in the ganglion cell and inner granular layer. In non-neuronal embryonic tissues, a wide variety of organs expressed FGF-R message. Particularly, the prevertebral column, bone, kidney and skin showed high levels of expression. These observations reinforce the idea that FGF exerts effects on the development of various tissues.
Insights
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGF-R) mRNA is expressed in various developing rat tissues, particularly in mesoderm and neuroectoderm-derived cells. FGF-R expression patterns are developmentally regulated, impacting neural and non-neural organ development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) are crucial signaling molecules regulating cell growth, differentiation, and development.
- FGF receptors (FGF-Rs) mediate FGF signaling, playing vital roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal expression patterns of FGF-receptor (FGF-R) mRNA during rat embryonic and postnatal development.
- To identify specific tissues and cell types expressing FGF-R mRNA during key developmental stages.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization histochemistry was employed to detect FGF-R mRNA.
- Analysis was performed on embryonic tissues (E9, E12, E14, E17) and postnatal neural tissues (P1, P7, P14, adult).
Main Results:
- Significant FGF-R mRNA expression was detected in mesoderm- and neuroectoderm-derived tissues throughout development.
- In the developing nervous system, FGF-R mRNA was localized to the ependymal layer in embryos and specific neuronal populations (e.g., hippocampal neurons) postnatally.
- FGF-R mRNA expression was observed in sensory ganglia, retina, bone, kidney, and skin, with distinct developmental regulation in these tissues.
Conclusions:
- FGF-R gene expression is developmentally regulated and widespread in various embryonic and postnatal rat tissues.
- These findings support the role of FGF signaling in the development of diverse organ systems, including the nervous system, sensory organs, and skeletal structures.
