Work

Protocadherins control the modular assembly of neuronal columns in the zebrafish optic tectum

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Cell-cell recognition guides the assembly of the vertebrate brain during development. δ-Protocadherins comprise a family of neural adhesion molecules that are differentially expressed and have been implicated in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we show that the expression of δ-protocadherins partitions the zebrafish optic tectum into radial columns of neurons. Using in vivo two-photon imaging of bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic zebrafish, we show that pcdh19 is expressed in discrete columns of neurons, and that these columnar modules are derived from proliferative pcdh19(+) neuroepithelial precursors. Elimination of pcdh19 results in both a disruption of columnar organization and defects in visually guided behaviors. These results reveal a fundamental mechanism for organizing the developing nervous system: subdivision of the early neuroepithelium into precursors with distinct molecular identities guides the autonomous development of parallel neuronal units, organizing neural circuit formation and behavior.

Source: The Journal of Cell Biology

DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201507108

Authors: Sharon R. Cooper, Michelle R. Emond, Phan Q. Duy, Brandon G. Liebau, Marc A. Wolman, James D. Jontes

Institutions: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language: English

Topic: Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

Subfield: Developmental Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Awards: G1368289731, Ohio State Neuroscience Center Core, Coordinating adhesion mechanisms during brain morphogenesis, G6356930412, G7244137527