Project description:We performed gene-expression analysis of mouse cerebellar granule cell layer as compared to that of Purkinje cells. DNA microarray analysis detected genes in cerebellar granule cell layer, most of which are classified into functional molecule categories. Our comparative analysis between Purkinje cells and the granule cell layer showed that the characteristic expression pattern in Purkinje cells was particularly represented by “the neural communication system” components.
Project description:The signalling protein PKCγ is a major regulator of Purkinje cell development and synaptic function. We have shown previously that increased PKCγ activity impairs dendritic development of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Mutations in the protein kinase Cγ gene (PRKCG) cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA14). In a transgenic mouse model of SCA14 expressing the human S361G mutation, Purkinje cell dendritic development is impaired in cerebellar slice cultures similar to pharmacological activation of PKC. The mechanisms of PKCγ-driven inhibition of dendritic growth are still unclear. Using immunoprecipitation-coupled mass spectrometry analysis we have identified Collapsin Response Mediator Protein 2 (CRMP2) as a protein interacting with constitutive active PKCγ(S361G) and confirmed the interaction with the Duolink™ proximity ligation assay. We show that in cerebellar slice cultures from PKCγ(S361G)- mice, phosphorylation of CRMP2 at the known PKC target site Thr555 is increased in Purkinje cells confirming phosphorylation of CRMP2 by PKCγ. miRNA-mediated CRMP2 knockdown decreased Purkinje cell dendritic outgrowth in dissociated cerebellar cultures as did the transfection of CRMP2 mutants with a modified Thr555 site. In contrast, dendritic development was normal after wildtype CRMP2 overexpression. In a novel knock-in mouse expressing only the phospho-defective T555A-mutant CRMP2, Purkinje cell dendritic development was reduced in dissociated cultures. This reduction could be rescued by transfecting wildtype CRMP2 but only partially by the phospho-mimetic T555D-mutant. Our findings establish CRMP2 as an important target of PKCγ phosphorylation in Purkinje cells mediating its control of dendritic development. Dynamic regulation of CRMP2 phosphorylation via PKCγ is required for its correct function.
Project description:We performed gene-expression analysis of mouse cerebellar granule cell layer as compared to that of Purkinje cells. DNA microarray analysis detected genes in cerebellar granule cell layer, most of which are classified into functional molecule categories. Our comparative analysis between Purkinje cells and the granule cell layer showed that the characteristic expression pattern in Purkinje cells was particularly represented by M-bM-^@M-^\the neural communication systemM-bM-^@M-^] components. Pukinje cells and granule cell layer of the mouse cerebellum were collected by laser microdissection for RNA extraction and hybridization on Affymetrix microarrays.
Project description:SCA1, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, is caused by a CAG expansion encoding a polyglutamine stretch in the protein ATXN1. We used RNA-seq to profile cerebellar RNA expression in ATXN1 mice, including lines with ataxia and progressive pathology and lines having ataxia in absence of Purkinje cell progressive pathology. Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis of the cerebellar RNA-seq data revealed two gene networks that significantly correlated with disease, the Magenta (342 genes) and Light Yellow (35 genes) Modules. Features of the Magenta and Light Yellow Modules indicate they reflect distinctive pathways. The Magenta Module provides a description of suppressed transcriptional programs reflecting disease progression in Purkinje cells, while the Lt Yellow Module reflects other transcriptional programs activated in response to disease in Purkinje cells as well as other cerebellar cell types. We also found that up-regulation of cholecystokinin (Cck) blocked progression of Purkinje cell pathology and that loss of Cck function in mice lacking progressive disease enabled Purkinje cell pathology to progress to cell death.
Project description:During cerebellar development, the main portion of the cerebellar plate neuroepithelium (NE) gives birth to Purkinje cells and interneurons, while the germinal zone at its dorsal edge, called the rhombic lip (RL), generates granule cells and cerebellar nuclei neurons. However, it remains elusive how these components work together to generate the intricate structure of the cerebellar anlage. In this study, we found that a polarized cerebellar anlage structure self-organizes in three-dimensional (3D) human ES cell (hESC) culture. This NE is capable of differentiating into electrophysiologically functional Purkinje cells. The addition of FGF19 promotes spontaneous generation of dorsoventrally polarized NE structures containing cerebellar and basal plates. Furthermore, further addition of SDF1 promoted the generation of stratified cerebellar plate NE with RL-like germinal zones self-forming at the edge. Thus, hESC-derived cerebellar progenitors exhibit substantial self-organizing potential for generating a polarized structure reminiscent of the early human cerebellar anlage at the first trimester. Examination of mRNA profile in two different treated human ES cells .
Project description:PURPOSE: To provide a detailed gene expression profile of the normal postnatal mouse cornea. METHODS: Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was performed on postnatal day (PN)9 and adult mouse (6 week) total corneas. The expression of selected genes was analyzed by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: A total of 64,272 PN9 and 62,206 adult tags were sequenced. Mouse corneal transcriptomes are composed of at least 19,544 and 18,509 unique mRNAs, respectively. One third of the unique tags were expressed at both stages, whereas a third was identified exclusively in PN9 or adult corneas. Three hundred thirty-four PN9 and 339 adult tags were enriched more than fivefold over other published nonocular libraries. Abundant transcripts were associated with metabolic functions, redox activities, and barrier integrity. Three members of the Ly-6/uPAR family whose functions are unknown in the cornea constitute more than 1% of the total mRNA. Aquaporin 5, epithelial membrane protein and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) omega-1, and GST alpha-4 mRNAs were preferentially expressed in distinct corneal epithelial layers, providing new markers for stratification. More than 200 tags were differentially expressed, of which 25 mediate transcription. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to providing a detailed profile of expressed genes in the PN9 and mature mouse cornea, the present SAGE data demonstrate dynamic changes in gene expression after eye opening and provide new probes for exploring corneal epithelial cell stratification, development, and function and for exploring the intricate relationship between programmed and environmentally induced gene expression in the cornea. Keywords: other
Project description:The loss of Tmem106b results in an age-dependent loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells accompanied with motor function deficits. Tmem106b deficiency also results in lysosomal enlargement in both Purkinje cells and microglia, and increased neuroinflammation including complement system activation. These data suggest that, in addition to myelination, Tmem106b also plays important role in maintaining the health and survival of cerebellar Purkinje cells during aging.