Purkinje cells (PCs) are large GABAergic projection neurons of the cerebellar cortex, endowed with elaborate dendrites that receive a multitude of excitatory inputs. Being the only efferent neuron of Show more
Purkinje cells (PCs) are large GABAergic projection neurons of the cerebellar cortex, endowed with elaborate dendrites that receive a multitude of excitatory inputs. Being the only efferent neuron of the cerebellar cortex, PCs project to cerebellar nuclei and control behaviors ranging from movement to cognition and social interaction. Neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) is widely expressed in the embryonic and postnatal development of the brain and plays essential roles in neuronal migration, axon pathfinding and synapse assembly. However, despite its high expression levels in cerebellum, little is known to date regarding the role(s) of NCAM1 in PCs development. Among other aspects, elucidating how the expression of NCAM1 in PCs could impact their postnatal migration would be a significant achievement. We analyzed the Acp2 mutant mouse ( Show less
Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system involved in a variety of developmental processes, such as regulation of cell death and survival, spatial patterning, and contribute to the Show more
Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system involved in a variety of developmental processes, such as regulation of cell death and survival, spatial patterning, and contribute to the development of Purkinje cells (PCs) during migration. Microglia express immunoglobulin G Fc receptors (FcgRs). In this report, we describe microglial FcgR expression and its relation to abnormal PC migration in the cerebellum during development. To detect microglial FcgR, the direct anti-IgG (secondary antisera) and high concentrations of Triton X-100 were applied as a method for labeling microglial cells without the use of any specific primary antiserum. By using Acp2 Show less
Zebrin II/aldolase C expression in the normal cerebellum is restricted to a Purkinje cell subset and is the canonical marker for stripes and zones. This spatial restriction has been confirmed in over Show more
Zebrin II/aldolase C expression in the normal cerebellum is restricted to a Purkinje cell subset and is the canonical marker for stripes and zones. This spatial restriction has been confirmed in over 30 species of mammals, birds, fish, etc. In a transgenic mouse model in which the Neurogenin 2 gene has been disrupted (Neurog2 Show less
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that are responsible for degrading and recycling macromolecules. Lysosomal dysfunction occurs in enzymatic and non-enzymatic deficiencies, which result in abnor Show more
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that are responsible for degrading and recycling macromolecules. Lysosomal dysfunction occurs in enzymatic and non-enzymatic deficiencies, which result in abnormal accumulation of materials. Although lysosomal storage disorders affect different organs, the central nervous system is the most vulnerable. Evidence shows the role of lysosomal dysfunction in different neurodegenerative diseases, such as Niemann-Pick Type C disease, juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Lysosomal enzymes such as lysosomal acid phosphatase 2 (Acp2) play a critical role in mannose-6-phosphate removal and Acp2 controls molecular and cellular functions in the brain during development and adulthood. Acp2 is essential in cerebellar development, and mutations in this gene cause severe cerebellar neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. In this mini-review, we highlight lysosomal dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative diseases with special attention to Acp2 dysfunction. Show less