BMP3 expression in the adult rat CNS
Kanna Yamashita1, Sumiko Mikawa2, Kohji Sato2
1Department of Basic Nursing, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan.
Brain Research
|May 1, 2016
Summary
Bone morphogenetic protein-3 (BMP3) is widely expressed in the adult rat central nervous system (CNS), including neurons, astrocytes, and ependymal cells. This abundant BMP3 expression suggests significant roles for this protein in the adult brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bone morphogenetic protein-3 (BMP3) is a unique member of the TGF-β superfamily.
- BMP3 acts as an antagonist to canonical BMP and activin pathways.
- BMP3 has known roles in kidney, intestine, and bone development, but its CNS expression is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of BMP3 in the adult rat central nervous system (CNS).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect BMP3 protein in adult rat brain tissue.
Main Results:
- BMP3 was intensely expressed in most neurons and their axons.
- Astrocytes and ependymal cells were also identified as BMP3-expressing cells.
- Data indicate widespread BMP3 expression throughout the adult CNS.
Conclusions:
- BMP3 is broadly distributed in the adult rat brain.
- The abundant expression of BMP3 in the adult CNS supports its significant functional roles in this tissue.
