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Fgf-R3 is expressed in a subset of chicken spinal motorneurons
J M Philippe1, A Garces, O deLapeyière
1INSERM U.382, Institut de Biologie du Developpement de Marseille (INSERM, CNRS Université de la Mediterranee; AP de Marseille), Campus de Luminy, Case 907, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France.
Abstract:
The expression pattern of the fibroblast growth factor receptor Fgf-R1, R2 and R3 genes was studied in the chicken spinal cord using in situ hybridization (ISH). Unlike Fgf-R1 which is widely expressed in motoneurons, Fgf-R3 is expressed in a subset of motoneurons in the medial subdivision of the median motor column (MMCm) that also express Islet-1 and Lim-3. The motoneuron identity of the labelled cells was confirmed by double ISH and by single cell RT-PCR. Interestingly, E3.5 spinal cord motoneurons do not express Fgf-R3, suggesting the expression of Fgf-R3 in motoneurons begins with axonal growth.
Insights
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (Fgf-R3) is expressed in a specific subset of chicken spinal cord motoneurons. This expression begins during axonal growth, indicating its role in motor neuron development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors play crucial roles in embryonic development.
- Understanding the spatial and temporal expression of FGF receptors is key to deciphering their functions in the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of fibroblast growth factor receptor (Fgf-R) genes 1, 2, and 3 in the developing chicken spinal cord.
- To identify specific neuronal populations expressing these receptors, particularly in motoneurons.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization (ISH) was employed to analyze gene expression patterns in chicken spinal cord tissue.
- Double ISH and single-cell RT-PCR were used to confirm the identity of labeled cells and receptor expression.
Main Results:
- Fgf-R1 showed widespread expression in motoneurons.
- Fgf-R3 was specifically expressed in a subset of motoneurons within the medial subdivision of the median motor column (MMCm).
- These Fgf-R3 expressing motoneurons also co-expressed Islet-1 and Lim-3 transcription factors.
- Fgf-R3 expression was absent in E3.5 spinal cord motoneurons, but present later, coinciding with axonal growth.
Conclusions:
- Fgf-R3 expression is restricted to a specific subpopulation of chicken spinal cord motoneurons.
- The onset of Fgf-R3 expression in motoneurons appears to be linked to the process of axonal outgrowth, suggesting a role in this developmental stage.