Differential regulation of midbrain dopaminergic neuron development by Wnt-1, Wnt-3a, and Wnt-5a.

ABSTRACT: The Wnts are a family of glycoproteins that regulate cell proliferation, fate decisions, and differentiation. In our study, we examined the contribution of Wnts to the development of ventral midbrain (VM) dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Our results show that beta-catenin is expressed in DA precursor cells and that beta-catenin signaling takes place in these cells, as assessed in TOPGAL [Tcf optimal-promoter beta-galactosidase] reporter mice. We also found that Wnt-1, -3a, and -5a expression is differentially regulated during development and that partially purified Wnts distinctively regulate VM development. Wnt-3a promoted the proliferation of precursor cells expressing the orphan nuclear receptor-related factor 1 (Nurr1) but did not increase the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons.

SUBMITTER: Castelo-Branco G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC240689 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature