Graded expression of netrin-1 by specific neuronal subtypes in the adult mammalian striatum

Neuroscience. 2008 Dec 2;157(3):621-36. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.09.031. Epub 2008 Oct 1.

Abstract

Netrins are a family of secreted proteins that function as axon guidance cues during neural development. High levels of netrin-1 expressed by the embryonic ganglionic eminence, the precursor of the adult striatum, direct axons that pioneer the internal capsule. Here we describe netrin-1 expression by neurons distributed throughout the striatum of the adult mouse. Differences were detected in the number and type of neurons expressing netrin-1 in different regions of the striatum. Most neurons in the ventral striatum, including projection neurons and cholinergic interneurons, express netrin-1. In contrast, netrin-1 expression is largely limited to cholinergic interneurons in the dorsal striatum, and the proportion of cholinergic interneurons that express netrin-1 decreases along rostral-caudal and ventral-dorsal axes. Regional differences in expression in the adult striatum suggest that netrin-1 not only influences the development of striatal circuitry but may also participate in the maintenance and plasticity of connections in the adult brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase / genetics
  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase / metabolism
  • Corpus Striatum / cytology*
  • Gene Expression / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nerve Growth Factors / genetics
  • Nerve Growth Factors / metabolism*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Netrin-1
  • Neurons / classification*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta-Galactosidase / genetics
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Ntn1 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Netrin-1
  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase
  • beta-Galactosidase