Ablation of NF1 function in neurons induces abnormal development of cerebral cortex and reactive gliosis in the brain

Article Abstract:

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has been studied with the finding that ablation of NF1 function in neurons induces abnormal development of the cerebral cortex. It also induces reactive gliosis in the brain. The embryonic lethality of NF1 null mouse embryos was a problem, but by generating a conditional mutation in the NF1 gene it was circumvented. Cre/loxP technology was used. Results show NF1-deficient neurons are able to induce reactive astrogliosis through a non-cell autonomous mechanism and suggest NF1 has a required role in an aspect of CNS development.

France, Usage, Central nervous system, Developmental neurology, Genetically modified mice, Animal models in research, Animal research models, Developmental cytology

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The NF2 tumor suppressor gene product, merlin, mediates contact inhibition of growth through interactions with CD44

Article Abstract:

The neurofibromatosis-2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene product, merlin, has been found to mediate contact inhibition of growth through signals from the extracellular matrix, through interactions with CD44. An inducible promoter was used to drive merlin expression in a rat schwannoma cell line. CD44 and merlin seem to form a molecular witch that specifies cell growth proliferation/arrest.

United Kingdom, Germany, Growth factors, Cells, Cell permeability, Cell receptors, Cell proliferation, Hyaluronic acid, Extracellular matrix, Schwann cells, Cytoplasm

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Hormones in male sexual development

Article Abstract:

This review discusses the developmental course of gonadal and genital development in males. Data reveal that although in initial stages there are no discernible morphological differences in embryo development, male differentiation is initiated by three testicular hormones, Mullerian-inhibiting substance, testosterone, and insulin-like 3.

Testosterone, Developmental biology, Endocrinology, Hormones, Sex, Sex hormones, Reproductive organs, Male, Male genitalia, Sex differentiation

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