Long-term consequences of conditional genetic deletion of PTEN in the sensorimotor cortex of neonatal mice.
Long-term consequences of conditional genetic deletion of PTEN in the sensorimotor cortex of neonatal mice.
Exp Neurol. 2016 Feb 16;
Authors: Gutilla EA, Buyukozturk MM, Steward O
Abstract
Targeted deletion of the phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome ten (PTEN) gene in the sensorimotor cortex of neonatal mice enables robust regeneration of corticospinal tract (CST) axons following spinal cord injury as adults. Here, we assess the consequences of long-term conditional genetic PTEN deletion on cortical structure and neuronal morphology and screen for neuropathology. Mice with a LoxP-flanked exon 5 of the PTEN gene (PTENf/f mice) received AAV-Cre injections into the sensorimotor cortex at postnatal day 1 (P1) and were allowed to survive for up to 18months. As adults, mice were assessed for exploratory activity (open field), and motor coordination using the Rotarod®. Some mice received injections of Fluorogold into the spinal cord to retrogradely label the cells of origin of the CST. Brains were prepared for neurohistology and immunostained for PTEN and phospho-S6, which is a downstream marker of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation. Immunostaining revealed a focal area of PTEN deletion affecting neurons in all cortical layers, although in some cases PTEN expression was maintained in many small-medium sized neurons in layers III-IV. Neurons lacking PTEN were robustly stained for pS6. Cortical thickness was significant...
Source: Experimental Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Gutilla EA, Buyukozturk MM, Steward O Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research
More News: Brain | Genetics | Neurology | Perinatology & Neonatology | Spinal Cord Injury | Statistics