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Dynamic expression of RGS4 in the developing nervous system and regulation by the neural type-specific transcription factor Phox2b.
- Source :
-
The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience [J Neurosci] 2003 Nov 19; Vol. 23 (33), pp. 10613-21. - Publication Year :
- 2003
-
Abstract
- Previous studies have shown that members of the family of regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS), including RGS4, have a discrete expression pattern in the adult brain (Gold et al., 1997). Here, we describe for RGS4 a distinct, mostly transient phase of neuronal expression, during embryonic development: transcription of RGS4 occurs in a highly dynamic manner in a small set of peripheral and central neuronal precursors. This expression pattern overlaps extensively with that of the paired-like homeodomain protein Phox2b, a determinant of neuronal identity. In embryos deficient for Phox2b, RGS4 expression is downregulated in the locus coeruleus, sympathetic ganglia, and cranial motor and sensory neurons. Moreover, Phox2b cooperates with the basic helix-loop-helix protein Mash1 to transiently switch on RGS4 after ectopic expression in the chicken spinal cord. Intriguingly, we also identify a heterotrimeric G-protein alpha-subunit, gustducin, as coexpressed with RGS4 in developing facial motor neurons, also under the control of Phox2b. Altogether, these data identify components of the heterotrimeric G-protein signaling pathway as part of the type-specific program of neuronal differentiation.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
Cell Differentiation physiology
Chick Embryo
DNA-Binding Proteins metabolism
In Situ Hybridization
Mice
Mice, Inbred Strains
Motor Neurons cytology
Motor Neurons metabolism
Nervous System cytology
Nervous System embryology
Neurons cytology
Peripheral Nervous System cytology
Peripheral Nervous System embryology
Peripheral Nervous System metabolism
RGS Proteins genetics
Rhombencephalon cytology
Rhombencephalon embryology
Rhombencephalon metabolism
Spinal Cord embryology
Spinal Cord metabolism
Transducin genetics
Transducin metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental physiology
Homeodomain Proteins metabolism
Nervous System metabolism
Neurons metabolism
RGS Proteins biosynthesis
Transcription Factors metabolism
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1529-2401
- Volume :
- 23
- Issue :
- 33
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 14627646