Abstract
In the protochordate Halocynthia roretzi, voltage-activated sodium current undergoes a change in kinetics within 48 hr of fertilization. Molecular cloning and microinjection of antisense DNA into single cells suggest that the kinetic changes are due to the increased expression of a putative neural-specific sodium channel gene, TuNa I. TuNa I gene transcription is first induced in late stage gastrulae, preceding the appearance of the rapidly inactivating sodium current unique to neural cells. In cleavage-arrested and intact embryos, cell interactions between specific animal and vegetal blastomeres are required for induction of TuNa I gene expression. Our results implicate cell contact, prior to neurulation, as a mechanism for selectively activating the TuNa I gene expressed in cells of the neural lineage.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 937-948 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Neuron |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience