Expression of mKirre in the developing sensory pathways: its close apposition to nephrin-expressing cells

Neuroscience. 2007 Dec 19;150(4):880-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.10.013. Epub 2007 Oct 22.

Abstract

mKirre is a novel member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which is abundant in the developing and adult brain. In the present study, we showed mKirre gene expression in mouse sensory organs during development using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. At embryonic day (E) 11.5, E15.5, and E17.5, we first detected signals for mKirre mRNA in the developing cochleae, retinae, and olfactory neuroepithelia, respectively. After birth, strong signals were observed in these sensory organs. In addition, at this stage, we found its expression in trigeminal ganglion neurons and neuronal populations forming sensory pathways in the olfactory bulb, midbrain, and pons. Furthermore, double-immunofluorescence staining revealed that nephrin-immunoreactivity was overlapping to mKirre-expressing cells in the developing sensory organs. These results suggest that mKirre may be involved in the establishment of the pathway from sensory organs to the brain not only in a homophilic manner but also with its heterophilic interaction to nephrin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways* / embryology
  • Afferent Pathways* / growth & development
  • Afferent Pathways* / metabolism
  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cochlea / cytology
  • Cochlea / embryology
  • Cochlea / growth & development
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Olfactory Bulb / embryology
  • Olfactory Bulb / growth & development
  • Olfactory Bulb / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Retina / embryology
  • Retina / growth & development
  • Retina / metabolism
  • Sense Organs* / embryology
  • Sense Organs* / growth & development
  • Sense Organs* / metabolism

Substances

  • Kirrel3 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • nephrin