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Protocadherin-9 involvement in retinal development in Xenopus laevis

Authors: 
Izuta Y, Taira T, Asayama A, Machigashira M, Kinoshita T, Fujiwara M, Suzuki ST
Citation: 
J Biochem. 2014;[Epub ahead of print] doi:10.1093/jb/mvu070
Abstract: 
Biological roles of most protocadherins are a largely unsolved problem. Therefore, we cloned cDNA for Xenopus laevis protocadherin-9 and characterized its properties to elucidate the role. The deduced amino acid sequence was highly homologous to those of mammalian protocadherin-9s. Xenopus laevis protocadherin-9 expressed from the cDNA in L cells showed basic properties similar to those of mammalian protocadherins. Expression of Xenopus laevis protocadherin-9 was first detected in stage-31 embryos and increased as the development proceeded. In the later stage embryos and the adults, the retina strongly expressed protocadherin-9, which was mainly localized at the plexiform layers. Injection of morpholino antisense oligonucleotide against protocadherin-9 into the fertilized eggs inhibited eye development; and eye growth and formation of the retinal laminar structure were hindered. Moreover, affected retina showed abnormal extension of neurites into the ganglion cell layer. Co-injection of protocadherin-9 mRNA with the morpholino antisense oligonucleotide rescued the embryos from the defects. These results suggest that Xenopus laevis protocadherin-9 was involved in the development of retina structure possibly through survival of neurons, formation of the lamina structure, and neurite localization.
Epub: 
Yes
Organism or Cell Type: 
Xenopus laevis
Delivery Method: 
microinjection