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The expression of NG2 proteoglycan in the developing rat limb
A Nishiyama1, K J Dahlin, W B Stallcup
1La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation, California 92037.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|April 1, 1991
Summary
NG2 proteoglycan is expressed in developing rat limb cartilage, particularly in immature differentiating cells. Its expression decreases as chondrocytes mature, indicating a role in chondrogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- NG2 proteoglycan is known to be expressed by glial progenitor cells.
- Its role in other developing tissues is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and role of NG2 proteoglycan in the developing rat limb cartilage.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry on embryonic and postnatal rat limb sections.
- Northern blot analysis of limb tissue.
- Immuno-precipitation of limb cell cultures.
Main Results:
- NG2 expression was detected in precartilaginous mesenchymal condensations and increased during chondrocyte differentiation until E16.
- NG2 was absent in mature hypertrophic chondrocytes.
- Northern blot confirmed NG2 mRNA expression in developing limb cartilage, distinct from other cartilage proteoglycans.
- NG2 proteoglycan molecular weight and core protein size were characterized.
Conclusions:
- NG2 proteoglycan is expressed in immature, differentiating chondrocytes during limb development.
- NG2 expression is downregulated upon terminal chondrocyte differentiation.
- NG2 may play a role in chondrogenesis, similar to its role in oligodendrocyte differentiation.