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Developmental profile of striatal preprotachykinin gene expression
D M Haverstick1, M Jeziorski, M J Bannon
1Center for Cell Biology, Sinai Research Institute, Detroit, Michigan.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Preprotachykinin (PPT) gene expression in rat striatum develops gradually, reaching adult levels by postnatal day 15. Developmental changes in PPT mRNA splicing suggest regulated production of substance P and neurokinin A peptides.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Preprotachykinin (PPT) gene expression is crucial for neuronal function.
- Understanding the developmental trajectory of PPT gene expression in the striatum is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the normal developmental profile of PPT gene expression in the rat striatum.
- To investigate developmental changes in PPT mRNA splicing variants.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of striatal PPT mRNA levels from embryonic day 20 to adulthood.
- Analysis of alternative splicing of PPT mRNA transcripts during development.
- Comparison of in vivo mRNA levels with in vitro synthesized PPT mRNA.
Main Results:
- Striatal PPT mRNA levels increase from 8% of adult levels at embryonic day 20 to adult levels by postnatal days 12-15.
- Absolute PPT mRNA amounts range from 0.2 pg/micrograms of total RNA at embryonic day 22 to 5-6 pg/micrograms of total RNA in adults.
- A slight but significant increase in gamma-PPT mRNA relative to beta-PPT mRNA was observed during early development.
Conclusions:
- PPT gene expression in the rat striatum follows a defined developmental pattern.
- Developmental regulation of PPT mRNA splicing suggests differential production of tachykinin peptides, including substance P and neurokinin A-related peptides.