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Spatially restricted expression of fibroblast growth factor-10 mRNA in the rat brain
Y Hattori1, M Yamasaki, M Konishi
1Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Kyoto University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yoshida-Shimoadachi, Sakyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-10 is a novel member of the FGF family. Although FGF-10 mRNA was preferentially expressed in the lung, the mRNA was also expressed, although at low levels, in the brain. We examined the localization of FGF-10 mRNA along with FGF-7 mRNA in the rat brain by in situ hybridization. FGF-10 mRNA showed spatially restricted expression in some regions of the brain, including the hippocampus, thalamus, midbrain and brainstem, although FGF-7 mRNA was not expressed in any of the brain regions examined. FGF-10 mRNA was strongly expressed in several restricted nuclei, especially in motor nuclei, including the oculomotor nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus, motor trigeminal nucleus, facial nucleus and hypoglossal nucleus. This localization pattern was distinct from those of aFGF, bFGF FGF-5 and FGF-9 mRNAs reported previously. The cellular localization of FGF-10 mRNA showed that the mRNA in the brain was preferentially expressed in neurons but not in glial cells. The present findings indicate that FGF-10, an additional member of the FGF family expressed in the brain, has a distinct role in the brain.
Insights
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-10 mRNA is present in the rat brain, particularly in motor neurons. This finding suggests FGF-10 has a unique function within the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-10 is a recently identified member of the FGF family.
- While FGF-10 mRNA is primarily found in the lungs, low levels are also detected in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise localization of FGF-10 mRNA within the rat brain.
- To compare the brain expression pattern of FGF-10 mRNA with that of FGF-7 mRNA.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was employed to detect the spatial distribution of FGF-10 and FGF-7 mRNA in rat brain sections.
- Cellular localization was determined to differentiate between neuronal and glial expression.
Main Results:
- FGF-10 mRNA exhibited restricted expression in specific brain regions, including the hippocampus, thalamus, midbrain, and brainstem.
- Strong expression of FGF-10 mRNA was observed in motor nuclei, such as the oculomotor, dorsal motor vagal, motor trigeminal, facial, and hypoglossal nuclei.
- Unlike FGF-10, FGF-7 mRNA was not detected in any examined brain regions.
- FGF-10 mRNA was predominantly found in neurons, not in glial cells.
Conclusions:
- FGF-10 is expressed in distinct neuronal populations within the rat brain.
- The unique expression pattern suggests FGF-10 plays a specific role in brain function, separate from other FGF family members.
- These findings highlight FGF-10 as a novel factor with a distinct role in the central nervous system.