Identification of novel genes involved in specification of the avian cerebellum

TY - CHAP

T1 - Identification of novel genes involved in specification of the avian cerebellum

AU - Chambers, D

AU - Wingate, R J

AU - Mason, I

PY - 2000

Y1 - 2000

N2 - The cerebellum is derived from a region that initially encompasses the boundary between the mesencephalon and metencephalon. These embryonic vesicles are separated by a constriction in the neural tube, the isthmus, which is known to act as an organising centre for the posterior mesencephalon and metencephalon. Recent studies have shown that the caudal limit of the mesencephalon is demarkated by the posterior boundary of Otx2 expression such that a targeted mutation of this gene leads to a rostral expansion of the cerebellum. Conversely, a targeted mutation of Hoxa2 (the most anterior of Hox genes expressed in the neural tube) leads to a caudal expansion of the cerebellum. At later embryonic stages the domain delineated by the Otx2/Hoxa2 limits gives rise to rhombomere 1. In fact, recent fate mapping studies have identified rhombomere1 as the sole progenitor of the cerebellar anlage. Interestingly, this neuromere is not characterised by any known unique molecular markers. To further elucidate the relationship between the mesencephalon, rhombomere 1 and the metencephalon a differential display reverse transcription PCR analysis has been employed using RNA derived from appropriate areas. We have identified at least three different novel genes that are implicated in the specification of rhombomere 1 based upon their expression in the neural tube of a chick HH stage 10 embryo. We will present evidence for the identity/function of these molecules and their expression during regionalisation of the neural tube. Supported by the MRC, Human Frontier Science Program and Wellcome Trust.

AB - The cerebellum is derived from a region that initially encompasses the boundary between the mesencephalon and metencephalon. These embryonic vesicles are separated by a constriction in the neural tube, the isthmus, which is known to act as an organising centre for the posterior mesencephalon and metencephalon. Recent studies have shown that the caudal limit of the mesencephalon is demarkated by the posterior boundary of Otx2 expression such that a targeted mutation of this gene leads to a rostral expansion of the cerebellum. Conversely, a targeted mutation of Hoxa2 (the most anterior of Hox genes expressed in the neural tube) leads to a caudal expansion of the cerebellum. At later embryonic stages the domain delineated by the Otx2/Hoxa2 limits gives rise to rhombomere 1. In fact, recent fate mapping studies have identified rhombomere1 as the sole progenitor of the cerebellar anlage. Interestingly, this neuromere is not characterised by any known unique molecular markers. To further elucidate the relationship between the mesencephalon, rhombomere 1 and the metencephalon a differential display reverse transcription PCR analysis has been employed using RNA derived from appropriate areas. We have identified at least three different novel genes that are implicated in the specification of rhombomere 1 based upon their expression in the neural tube of a chick HH stage 10 embryo. We will present evidence for the identity/function of these molecules and their expression during regionalisation of the neural tube. Supported by the MRC, Human Frontier Science Program and Wellcome Trust.

M3 - Meeting abstract

SP - Abstract No. - 116.8

BT - Society for Neuroscience Abstracts

PB - Copyright BIOSIS 2003

T2 - 30th Annual Meeting of the Society of Neuroscience; Parts, Structures & Systems of Organisms: cerebellum: nervous system, specification; neural tube: nervous system; rhombomere: embryonic st

Y2 - 1 January 2000

ER -