Expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor alpha-subunit in mouse brain: comparison of Patch mutants and normal littermates

• Published in: Cellular and molecular neurobiology 1996-08, Vol.16 (4), p.479-487
• Main Authors: Zhang, F X, Hutchins, J B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Brain - embryology; Brain - growth & development; Brain - metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Genes, Lethal; Heterozygote; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Mutant Strains - embryology; Mice, Mutant Strains - genetics; Mice, Mutant Strains - metabolism; Nerve Tissue Proteins - biosynthesis; Nerve Tissue Proteins - chemistry; Nerve Tissue Proteins - deficiency; Nerve Tissue Proteins - genetics; Pigmentation Disorders - genetics; Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - biosynthesis; Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - chemistry; Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - deficiency; Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - genetics; RNA, Messenger - biosynthesis; RNA, Messenger - genetics
• ISSN: 0272-4340
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02150228

1. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays an important role not only in mesenchyme-derived tissues, but also in the mammalian central nervous system. The Patch mutant (Ph/+) lacks one copy of the PDGFR-alpha gene. However, it is not clear whether there are differences in expression of PDGF receptor alpha-subunit (PDGFR-alpha) in brain tissue of the Patch heterozygous (Ph/+) mutants compared to wild-type C57Bl (+/+) mice. 2. The level of PDGRF-alpha mRNA expression is slightly lower in Patch mutant than in normal littermate. 3. Protein and total RNA isolated from mouse brain tissue and primary type 1 astrocyte cultures were studied with Western and Northern blotting techniques. There was no measurable difference ir PDGFR-alpha protein expression between the Patch and wild-type mouse nervous system. Adjustment of transcriptional efficiency and messenger stability may contribute to this phenomenon, whose biological significance remains unclear. 4. Further, the expression of PDGRF-alpha protein and message in mouse brain tissues is developmentally regulated. Its level remains high during the embryonic period and declines below measurable levels in adult.