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In vitro Electroporation of the Lower Rhombic Lip of Midgestation Mouse Embryos
Published on: August 3, 2012
Expression of MEGAP mRNA during embryonic development
Robert Waltereit1, Sandra Kautt, Dusan Bartsch
1Central Institute of Mental Health, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany.
Abstract:
Mental retardation (MR) affects up to two percent of the population and is usually accompanied by impaired learning and memory. MR is frequently associated with mutations of genes involved in Rho signal transduction cascades. Rho signal transduction pathways regulate axonal and dendritic growth during embryonic development and morphological adaptations of dendritic spines during synaptic plasticity in adult neurons. The MEGAP/SRGAP3 protein is part of the Rho signal transduction cascades. Mutation of MEGAP (Mental disorder associated GTPase-activating protein) gene is present in some patients who have MR, ataxia and monosomy for the distal portion of the short arm of chromosome 3. Here, we investigated the pattern of mouse MEGAP mRNA expression during embryonic development. Mouse embryos and brain sections from stage E10 to adults were analysed by in-situ hybridisation for MEGAP transcript in whole-mount and in brain sections. We demonstrate here robust expression of MEGAP mRNA in the whole central nervous system of E10 embryos. At E12, we also detected MEGAP in dorsal root ganglia. This pattern narrows in adult animals into an expression mainly in hippocampus and cortex. Our findings support the presumed role of MEGAP in Rho-associated MR.
Insights
The MEGAP/SRGAP3 gene is crucial for brain development and function. Its expression pattern in mice supports its role in Rho-associated mental retardation (MR).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Mental retardation (MR) affects up to 2% of the population, often linked to impaired learning and memory.
- Mutations in genes within Rho signal transduction cascades are frequently associated with MR.
- Rho pathways regulate neuronal development and synaptic plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of the mouse MEGAP/SRGAP3 mRNA during embryonic development.
- To understand the role of MEGAP/SRGAP3 in the context of Rho-associated MR.
Main Methods:
- In-situ hybridization was used to analyze MEGAP mRNA expression.
- Analysis was performed on whole-mount mouse embryos and brain sections from embryonic day 10 (E10) to adulthood.
Main Results:
- Robust MEGAP mRNA expression was observed throughout the central nervous system of E10 embryos.
- MEGAP expression was detected in dorsal root ganglia at E12.
- In adult animals, MEGAP expression was predominantly found in the hippocampus and cortex.
Conclusions:
- The expression pattern of MEGAP mRNA in developing and adult mice supports its involvement in Rho-associated MR.
- Findings suggest MEGAP/SRGAP3 plays a significant role in neural development relevant to cognitive functions.
