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Progranulin expression in the developing and adult murine brain
Terri L Petkau1, S J Neal, P C Orban
1Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, and Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology
|August 26, 2010
Summary
Progranulin (GRN) gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS) differs between neurons and microglia. This finding suggests distinct roles for progranulin in neuronal health and function, impacting frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a neurodegenerative disease.
- Mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) cause familial FTLD.
- Understanding progranulin's role in the central nervous system (CNS) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal expression of the progranulin gene (Grn) and protein in the CNS.
- To compare Grn expression patterns in different cell types and developmental stages.
- To elucidate the function of progranulin in neuronal and microglial cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic knock-in mice expressing a reporter gene from the Grn locus.
- Employed immunohistochemistry to detect progranulin protein.
- Analyzed Grn expression alongside neuronal development markers from embryonic to adult stages.
Main Results:
- Progranulin (Grn) is expressed in both CNS neurons and microglia.
- Neuronal Grn expression increases with cellular maturation.
- Microglial Grn expression is dynamic, upregulated during excitotoxic injury.
Conclusions:
- Progranulin plays distinct roles in neurons and microglia.
- These distinct roles likely contribute to overall neuronal health and function.
- Findings provide insights into progranulin's involvement in neurodegenerative processes like FTLD.
