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Repulsive guidance molecule A (RGM A) and its receptor neogenin during neural and neural crest cell development of Xenopus laevis
Author(s) -
Gessert Susanne,
Maurus Daniel,
Kühl Michael
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
biology of the cell
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.543
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1768-322X
pISSN - 0248-4900
DOI - 10.1042/bc20080023
Subject(s) - xenopus , biology , neural crest , neural development , microbiology and biotechnology , neural cell , neuroscience , cell , anatomy , genetics , embryo , gene
Background information . RGM A (repulsive guidance molecule A) is a GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol)‐anchored glycoprotein which has repulsive properties on axons due to the interaction with its receptor neogenin. In addition, RGM A has been demonstrated to function as a BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) co‐receptor. Results . In the present study, we provide the first analysis of early RGM A and neogenin expression and function in Xenopus laevis neural development. Tissue‐specific RGM A expression starts at stage 12.5 in the anterior neural plate. Loss‐of‐function analyses suggest a function of RGM A and neogenin in regulating anterior neural marker genes, as well as eye development and neural crest cell migration. Furthermore, overexpression of RGM A leads to ectopic expression of neural crest cell marker genes. Conclusions . These data indicate that RGM A and neogenin have important functions during early neural development, in addition to their role during axonal guidance and synapse formation.