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Molecular cloning and expression regulation of PRG‐3, a new member of the plasticity‐related gene family
Author(s) -
Savaskan Nicolai E.,
Bräuer Anja U.,
Nitsch Robert
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.03078.x
Subject(s) - neurogenesis , biology , neurite , microbiology and biotechnology , cerebellum , neuroplasticity , gene family , neuroscience , synaptic plasticity , gene expression , gene , genetics , receptor , in vitro
Phospholipid‐mediated signalling on neurons provokes diverse responses such as neurogenesis, pattern formation and neurite remodelling. We have recently uncovered a novel set of molecules in the mammalian brain, named plasticity‐related genes (PRGs), which mediate lipid phosphate phosphatase activity and provide evidence for their involvement in mechanisms of neuronal plasticity. Here, we report on a new member of the vertebrate‐specific PRG family, which we have named plasticity‐related gene‐3 (PRG‐3). PRG‐3 is heavily expressed in the brain and shows a specific expression pattern during brain development where PRG‐3 expression is found predominantly in neuronal cell layers and is already expressed at embryonic day 16. In the mature brain, strongest PRG‐3 expression occurs in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Overexcitation of neurons induced by kainic acid leads to a transient down‐regulation of PRG‐3. Furthermore, PRG‐3 is expressed on neurite extensions and promotes neurite growth and a spreading‐like cell body in neuronal cells and COS‐7 cells. In contrast to previously described members of the PRG family, PRG‐3 does not perform its function through enzymatic phospholipid degradation. In summary, our findings feature a new member of the PRG family which shows dynamic expression regulation during brain development and neuronal excitation.