Ectopic expression of transcription factor AP-2? in developing retina: effect on PSA-NCAM and axon routing.
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ABSTRACT: Retinal ganglion cells transmit the visual signal from the retina to the brain. We have previously shown that the activator protein 2 (AP-2)? (TFAP2D) transcription factor is expressed in one third of ganglion cells in developing retina suggesting a specialized role for these AP-2?-expressing cells. Here, we address the role of AP-2? in retina by in ovo electroporation of RCAS/AP-2? retroviral constructs into the eyes of chick embryos at day 2 of gestation. Ectopic expression of AP-2? does not affect lineage differentiation in the developing retina. However, immunostaining of retinal tissue with markers associated with axonal growth such as growth-associated protein 43 and polysialic acid-neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) demonstrates axonal misrouting and abnormal axonal bundling. Treatment of AP-2?-misexpressing retinal cell cultures with endoneuraminidase, an enzyme that removes PSA from NCAM, decreases AP-2?-induced axonal bundling. Our data suggest a role for AP-2? in polysialylation of NCAM, with ectopic expression of AP-2? resulting in premature bundling of emerging axons and misrouting of axons. We propose that expression of AP-2? in a subset of ganglion cells contributes to the fine-tuning of axonal growth in the developing retina.
SUBMITTER: Li X
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4459862 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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