Protocadherin-9 involvement in retinal development in Xenopus laevis
Yusuke Izuta1, Tetsuro Taira1, Ayako Asayama1
1Department of Bioscience, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, 2-1 Gakuen, Sanda-Shi, Hyogo-Ken 669-1337, Japan and Rikkyo College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishishinjyuku, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan.
Journal of Biochemistry
|November 22, 2014
Summary
Xenopus laevis protocadherin-9 (Pcdh9) is crucial for eye development. Its absence hinders retinal structure and neuron organization, but can be restored with Pcdh9 mRNA.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The biological functions of most protocadherins (Pcdhs) remain largely unknown.
- Protocadherins are a class of cadherin superfamily proteins involved in cell adhesion and signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Xenopus laevis protocadherin-9 (XlPcdh9) in embryonic development.
- To characterize the expression pattern and function of XlPcdh9 in the developing retina.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and characterization of XlPcdh9 cDNA.
- Expression analysis in Xenopus embryos and adult tissues.
- Functional studies using morpholino anti-sense oligonucleotides and mRNA rescue experiments.
Main Results:
- XlPcdh9 shares high homology with mammalian Pcdh9 and exhibits similar basic properties.
- XlPcdh9 expression is detected early in development and is prominent in the retina.
- Inhibition of XlPcdh9 disrupts eye development, retinal lamination, and neurite localization, which can be rescued by XlPcdh9 mRNA.
Conclusions:
- XlPcdh9 plays a significant role in Xenopus eye development.
- XlPcdh9 is essential for retinal structure formation, neuronal survival, and proper neurite organization.
- These findings provide insights into the function of Pcdh9 in vertebrate development.
