PUBLICATION

Nlcam modulates midline convergence during anterior neural plate morphogenesis

Authors
Brown, K.E., Keller, P.J., Ramialison, M., Rembold, M., Stelzer, E.H., Loosli, F., and Wittbrodt, J.
ID
ZDB-PUB-091221-5
Date
2010
Source
Developmental Biology   339(1): 14-25 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Brown, Katherine, Loosli, Felix, Rembold, Martina
Keywords
Eye development, Rx3, 4D imaging, Morphogenesis, Adhesion
MeSH Terms
  • Neural Plate/embryology*
  • Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules/physiology*
  • Body Patterning/physiology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
  • Animals
  • Morphogenesis
  • Chick Embryo
  • Base Sequence
  • Zebrafish/embryology*
  • DNA Primers
(all 13)
PubMed
20005219 Full text @ Dev. Biol.
Abstract
During development, different cell types must undergo distinct morphogenetic programs so that tissues develop the right dimensions in the appropriate place. In early eye morphogenesis, retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) move first towards the midline, before turning around to migrate out into the evaginating optic vesicles. Neighbouring forebrain cells, however, converge rapidly and then remain at the midline. These differential behaviours are regulated by the transcription factor Rx3. Here, we identify a downstream target of Rx3, the Ig-domain protein Nlcam, and characterise its role in regulating cell migration during the initial phase of optic vesicle morphogenesis. Through sophisticated live imaging and comprehensive cell tracking experiments in zebrafish, we show that ectopic expression of Nlcam in RPCs, as is observed in Rx3 mutants, causes enhanced convergence of these cells. Expression levels of Nlcam therefore regulate the migratory properties of RPCs. Our results provide evidence that the two phases of optic vesicle morphogenesis: slowed convergence and outward-directed migration, are under different genetic control. We propose that Nlcam forms part of the guidance machinery directing rapid midline migration of forebrain precursors, where it is normally expressed, and that its ectopic expression upon loss of Rx3 imparts these migratory characteristics upon RPCs.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Figure Gallery (6 images)
Show all Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Fish Conditions Stage Phenotype Figure
WIK/AB + MO1-alcambstandard conditions1-4 somites
WIK/AB + MO1-alcambstandard conditions1-4 somites
WIK/AB + MO1-alcambstandard conditions1-4 somites
rx3s399/s399standard conditionsBud
rx3s399/s399standard conditionsBud
rx3s399/s399standard conditions5-9 somites
rx3s399/s399standard conditions5-9 somites
1 - 7 of 7
Show
Mutations / Transgenics
Allele Construct Type Affected Genomic Region
s399
    		Point Mutation
    zf460TgTransgenic Insertion
      1 - 2 of 2
      Show
      Human Disease / Model
      No data available
      Sequence Targeting Reagents
      Target Reagent Reagent Type
      alcambMO1-alcambMRPHLNO
      alcambMO2-alcambMRPHLNO
      1 - 2 of 2
      Show
      Fish
      Fish
      rx3s399/s399
      WIK/AB
      WIK/AB + MO1-alcamb
      zf460Tg
      1 - 4 of 4
      Show
      Antibodies
      No data available
      Orthology
      No data available
      Engineered Foreign Genes
      Marker Marker Type Name
      GFPEFGGFP
      1 - 1 of 1
      Show
      Mapping
      No data available
      Your Input Welcome
      We welcome your input and comments. Please use this form to recommend updates to the information in ZFIN. We appreciate as much detail as possible and references as appropriate. We will review your comments promptly.
      Citation
      Brown, K.E., Keller, P.J., Ramialison, M., Rembold, M., Stelzer, E.H., Loosli, F., and Wittbrodt, J. (2010) Nlcam modulates midline convergence during anterior neural plate morphogenesis. Developmental Biology. 339(1):14-25.