Role of Laminin gamma 1 in Cortical Development

<p>Laminins are a major component of basement membranes, including those in the central nervous system (CNS). To explore the role of laminin γ1, a subunit common to all laminins found within the CNS, we developed a murine model in which laminin γ1 is conditionally disrupted in the nervous system. These mice show cortical developmental abnormalities including undulations in the embryonic cortical plate and resultant adult cortical layers and abnormal positioning of pyramidal neurons and interneurons. We have investigated the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities. Neuronal migration via the establishment of the radial glial scaffold and the Cajal-Retzius cell layer was affected in the mutants. Furthermore, axon pathfinding was impaired with developing axons projecting along the abnormally structured cortical plate. Laminin γ1 also plays a role at the cellular level, as disturbances in normal neuronal morphology were observed in mutant animals, but laminin was not required for cell survival or cell proliferation. These data indicate a fundamental role for laminin γ1 in both the cellular and structural development of the cerebral cortex.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Year

2006

Author dc:creator

• Haegeli, Veronique

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sidney Strickland

• laminins
• laminin gamma 1 gene
• cerebral cortex development
• Life Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.rockefeller.edu/student_theses_and_dissertations/52

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.rockefeller.edu:student_theses_and_dissertations-1051