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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
A Neonatal Mouse Spinal Cord Compression Injury Model
Published on: March 27, 2016
Megalin deficiency induces critical changes in mouse spinal cord development
Grzegorz Wicher1, Håkan Aldskogius
1Department of Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Grzegorz.Wicher@neuro.uu.se
Abstract:
Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein, megalin, is a multifunctional lipoproptein receptor expressed by absorptive epithelia for endocytosis of numerous ligands. Megalin is widely expressed during embryonic life and is essential for development of the nervous system as evidenced by severe forebrain abnormalities in megalin (-/-). Here, we investigated the influence of megalin deficiency on prenatal spinal cord development in mice. In contrast to wild-type mice, cells expressing Olig2 and NG2, that is, oligodendroglial precursor cells, are absent from embryonic stage E16 in megalin (-/-) mice. At the end of prenatal development, there is a failure in vertebral development, and the number of astrocytes are markedly reduced in megalin (-/-) mice. These findings indicate that megalin is essential in astro-oligodendroglial interactions during development of the spinal cord.
Insights
Megalin deficiency in mice prevents the development of oligodendroglial precursor cells and astrocytes, crucial for spinal cord formation. This highlights megalin's essential role in prenatal nervous system development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (megalin) is a multifunctional receptor involved in endocytosis.
- Megalin is vital for embryonic development, particularly the nervous system, as shown by forebrain abnormalities in megalin-deficient mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of megalin deficiency on prenatal spinal cord development in mice.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of megalin (-/-) mice and wild-type littermates.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal cord tissue at embryonic stage E16 and term.
- Assessment of oligodendroglial precursor cells (Olig2+, NG2+), astrocytes, and vertebral development.
Main Results:
- Absence of oligodendroglial precursor cells (Olig2+, NG2+) in megalin (-/-) mice at embryonic stage E16.
- Marked reduction in astrocyte numbers in megalin (-/-) mice at the end of prenatal development.
- Failure in vertebral development observed in megalin (-/-) mice.
Conclusions:
- Megalin is essential for normal prenatal spinal cord development in mice.
- Megalin plays a critical role in the development and interaction of astro-oligodendroglial cells.
- Megalin deficiency leads to severe defects in spinal cord and vertebral formation.
