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Cerebellar Regional Dissection for Molecular Analysis
Published on: December 5, 2020
The expression and localization of Prune2 mRNA in the central nervous system
Shimo Li1, Masanori Itoh, Kazunori Ohta
1Department of Neurobiology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan.
Abstract:
A family of Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19kDa-interacting proteins (BNIPs) plays critical roles in several cellular processes such as cellular transformation, apoptosis, neuronal differentiation, and synaptic function, which are mediated by the BNIP2 and Cdc42GAP homology (BCH) domain. Prune homolog 2 (Drosophila) (PRUNE2) and its isoforms -C9orf65, BCH motif-containing molecule at the carboxyl terminal region 1 (BMCC1), and BNIP2 Extra Long (BNIPXL) - have been shown to be a susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease, a biomarker for leiomyosarcomas, a proapoptotic protein in neuronal cells, and an antagonist of cellular transformation, respectively. However, precise localization of PRUNE2 in the brain remains unclear. Here, we identified the distribution of Prune2 mRNA in the adult mouse brain. Prune2 mRNA is predominantly expressed in the neurons of the cranial nerve motor nuclei and the motor neurons of the spinal cord. The expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is consistent with the previously described reports. In addition, we observed the expression in another sensory neuron in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. These results suggest that Prune2 may be functional in these restricted brain regions.
Insights
Prune homolog 2 (PRUNE2) mRNA is primarily found in motor neurons within the adult mouse brain, including cranial nerve and spinal cord regions. This discovery clarifies the specific brain areas where PRUNE2 may be functionally active.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19kDa-interacting proteins (BNIPs) family, including Prune homolog 2 (PRUNE2), is involved in crucial cellular functions.
- PRUNE2 and its isoforms have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, cancer biomarkers, and neuronal apoptosis, but its precise brain localization is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the precise distribution of Prune homolog 2 (PRUNE2) mRNA within the adult mouse brain.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was used to identify the localization of Prune2 mRNA in adult mouse brain sections.
Main Results:
- Prune2 mRNA expression was predominantly observed in neurons of cranial nerve motor nuclei and spinal cord motor neurons.
- Expression was also detected in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and sensory neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus.
Conclusions:
- The findings reveal a restricted expression pattern of Prune2 mRNA in specific neuronal populations within the adult mouse brain.
- This localization suggests potential functional roles for PRUNE2 in these identified motor and sensory neuronal circuits.
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