Co-localization of neural cell adhesion molecule and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 in early embryo development

Int J Dev Biol. 2011;55(3):313-9. doi: 10.1387/ijdb.103240lv.

Abstract

During development there is a multitude of signaling events governing the assembly of the developing organism. Receptors for signaling molecules such as fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) enable the embryo to communicate with the surrounding environment and activate downstream pathways. The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) was first characterized as a cell adhesion molecule highly expressed in the nervous system, but recent studies have shown that it is also a signaling receptor. Using a novel single oocyte adaptation of the proximity ligation assay, we here show a close association between NCAM and FGFR2 in mouse oocytes and 2-cell embryos. Real-time PCR analyses revealed the presence of messenger RNA encoding key proteins in downstream signaling pathways in oocytes and early mouse embryos. In summary these findings show a co-localization of NCAM and FGFR2 in early vertebrate development with intracellular signaling pathways present to enable a cellular response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD56 Antigen / genetics
  • CD56 Antigen / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Oocytes
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • CD56 Antigen
  • Ncam1 protein, mouse
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases