Molecular analysis of gene expression in the developing pontocerebellar projection system

Elva Díaz; Yongchao Ge; Yee Hwa Yang; Kenneth C Loh; Tito A Serafini; Yasushi Okazaki; Yoshihide Hayashizaki; Terence P Speed; John Ngai; Peter Scheiffele

doi:10.1016/s0896-6273(02)01016-4

Molecular analysis of gene expression in the developing pontocerebellar projection system

Neuron. 2002 Oct 24;36(3):417-34. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)01016-4.

Authors

Elva Díaz¹, Yongchao Ge, Yee Hwa Yang, Kenneth C Loh, Tito A Serafini, Yasushi Okazaki, Yoshihide Hayashizaki, Terence P Speed, John Ngai, Peter Scheiffele

Affiliation

¹ Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.

PMID: 12408845
DOI: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)01016-4

Abstract

As an approach toward understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuronal differentiation, we utilized DNA microarrays to elucidate global patterns of gene expression during pontocerebellar development. Through this analysis, we identified groups of genes specific to neuronal precursor cells, associated with axon outgrowth, and regulated in response to contact with synaptic target cells. In the cerebellum, we identified a phase of granule cell differentiation that is independent of interactions with other cerebellar cell types. Analysis of pontine gene expression revealed that distinct programs of gene expression, correlated with axon outgrowth and synapse formation, can be decoupled and are likely influenced by different cells in the cerebellar target environment. Our approach provides insight into the genetic programs underlying the differentiation of specific cell types in the pontocerebellar projection system.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Animals, Newborn
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
Cell Differentiation / genetics*
Cells, Cultured
Cerebellum / cytology
Cerebellum / growth & development*
Cerebellum / metabolism
Cyclin D2
Cyclins / genetics
Female
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
Male
Mice
Mice, Neurologic Mutants
Neural Pathways / cytology
Neural Pathways / growth & development*
Neural Pathways / metabolism
Neuroglia / cytology
Neuroglia / metabolism
Neurons / cytology
Neurons / metabolism*
Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
Pons / cytology
Pons / growth & development*
Pons / metabolism
Purkinje Cells / cytology
Purkinje Cells / metabolism
RNA, Messenger / genetics
RNA, Messenger / metabolism
Receptors, GABA / genetics
Stem Cells / cytology
Stem Cells / metabolism
Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

Atoh1 protein, mouse
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
Ccnd2 protein, mouse
Cyclin D2
Cyclins
RNA, Messenger
Receptors, GABA
Transcription Factors