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Structure and developmental expression of the chicken NGF receptor
J G Heuer1, S Fatemie-Nainie, E F Wheeler
1Department of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Developmental Biology
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Chicken nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) sequences were analyzed and compared to mammalian receptors. NGFR mRNA expression was mapped in developing chick embryos, revealing widespread roles in neural and mesenchymal development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is crucial for neuronal development and survival.
- The NGF receptor (NGFR) mediates NGF signaling.
- Understanding NGFR's role in avian development is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of chicken NGFR.
- To compare chicken NGFR with mammalian counterparts.
- To map the expression pattern of NGFR during chick embryogenesis.
Main Methods:
- cDNA cloning and sequencing of chicken NGFR.
- Bioinformatic comparison with mammalian NGFR sequences.
- In situ hybridization to detect NGFR mRNA expression in embryonic tissues.
Main Results:
- The chicken NGFR sequence was determined and compared to mammalian sequences.
- A binding model for NGF dimers to cysteine-rich repeats was proposed.
- NGFR mRNA was detected in neural crest cells, placodes, and their derivatives.
- Widespread NGFR expression was observed in the embryonic central nervous system and mesenchymal cells.
Conclusions:
- Chicken NGFR shares conserved features with mammalian receptors.
- NGFR plays a significant role in the development of neural and sensory structures in birds.
- The broad embryonic expression suggests diverse functions for NGFR beyond neuronal development.