Characterization of NGF, trkANGFR, and p75NTR in Retina of Mice Lacking Reelin Glycoprotein. (30th January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balzamino, Bijorn Omar; Biamonte, Filippo; Esposito, Graziana; Marino, Ramona; Fanelli, Francesca; Keller, Flavio; Micera, Alessandra
• Other Names: D'Alessio Alessio Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of cell biology. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-01-30
• Subjects: Cytology -- Periodicals; Cell Biology; Cytology; Periodicals; Electronic journals -- Sciences; Electronic journals -- Biology; Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/725928
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8876

Abstract

Abstract : Both Reelin and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) exert crucial roles in retinal development. Retinogenesis is severely impaired in E-reeler mice, a model of Reelin deficiency showing specific Green Fluorescent Protein expression in Rod Bipolar Cells (RBCs). Since no data are available on Reelin and NGF cross-talk, NGF andtrkA NGFR /p 75 NTR expression was investigated in retinas from E-reeler versus control mice, by confocal microscopy, Western blotting, and real time PCR analysis. A scattered increase of NGF protein was observed in the Ganglion Cell Layer and more pronounced in the Inner Nuclear Layer (INL). A selective increase ofp 75 NTR was detected in most of RBCs and in other cell subtypes of INL. On the contrary, a slight trend towards a decrease was detected fortrkA NGFR, albeit not significant. Confocal data were validated by Western blot and real time PCR. Finally, the decreasedtrkA NGFR /p 75 NTR ratio, representative ofp 75 NTR increase, significantly correlated with E-reeler versus E-control. These data indicate that NGF-trkA NGFR /p 75 NTR is affected in E-reeler retina and thatp 75 NTR might represent the main NGF receptor involved in the process. This first NGF-trkA NGFR /p 75 NTR characterization suggests that E-reeler might be suitable for exploring Reelin-NGF cross-talk, representing an additional information source in those pathologies characterized by retinal degeneration.