Novel biological functions induced by the transmembrane protein Lrig1 in developing hippocampal neurons

HITA FJ; ALSINA FC; IRALA D; LEDDA F; PARATCHA G

Huerta Grande

Congreso; XXVIII Congreso de la Sociedad Argentina de Neurociencias (SAN); 2013

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Neurociencias

Recent studies show compelling evidence of transmembrane proteins containing extracellular leucine rich repeats (LRR) domains involved in neuronal connectivity, functioning as regulators of process like axon guidance, synapse formation and plasticity. Transmembrane LRR proteins are highly enriched in the nervous system, and their LRR domain frequently serves as protein-protein interaction site, suggesting a participation in the control of receptor signaling pathways. While the specific roles of certain LRR proteins have recently been addressed, others such as Lrig1, remains to be determined.In the present work, we explore possible functions of Lrig1 in the nervous system. The prominent and tightly regulated expression of Lrig1 in pyramidal and granule hippocampal neurons prompted us to examine the biological contribution of this LRR protein during neuronal development. The role of Lrig1 was analyzed through RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and gain/loss of function assays, in primary hippocampal neuron cultures.