Boundaries defined by adhesion molecules during development of the cerebral cortex: the J1 /tenascin glycoprotein in the mouse somatosensory cortical barrel field

Dennis A. Steindler, Nigel G.F. Cooper, Andreas Faissner, Melitta Schachner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

249 Scopus citations

Abstract

The distribution of the 200/220 KDa J1 glycoprotein (Jl-200/220), within the developing vibrissae-related barrel field of the mouse somatosensory cortex, was studied by immunocytochemistry using a monoclonal antibody. JI-200/220, a member of the L2/HNK-1 family of adhesion molecules, also appears to be the mouse homologue of tenascin. Jl/tenascin-positive barrel-like structures are visible in the somatosensory cortex between 24 and 48 hr after birth, with the molecule present in prospective barrel boundaries. Immunoelectronmicroscopy reveals labeling that is associated with glial and neuronal plasma membranes, as well as glial end-feet on blood vessels. A possible major source of Jl/tenascin expression at this time is astrocyte precursor cells and radial glia. In the putative astrocyte precursor cells, immunolabeling was observed within organelles including the Golgi apparatus. At P6-7 Jl/tenascin is most prevalent within prospective interbarrel septae. Jl/tenascin-positive barrel boundaries are barely visible on P9 and not observed on P16. The findings indicate that Jl/tenascin represents a major component of previously described "hidden" boundaries that we have seen during development using other methodologies. The expression of adhesion molecule-rich boundaries during the critical stages of barrel field formation indicates roles for such molecules during specific cerebral cortical pattern formation events.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)243-260
Number of pages18
JournalDevelopmental Biology
Volume131
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1989
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Boundaries defined by adhesion molecules during development of the cerebral cortex: the J1 /tenascin glycoprotein in the mouse somatosensory cortical barrel field'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this