The secreted glycoprotein reelin is thought to control neuronal migration in the developing vertebrate CNS by directly acting on neurons. Now, Hartfuss et al. report that reelin may also affect neuronal migration by regulating radial glial cell morphology in a region-specific manner (see p. 4597). These cells are characterised by long radial processes that facilitate the migration of newborn neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. The authors found that in reeler mutant mice (which lack reelin), fewer neurons than normal had radial processes in the ventricular zone of the cortex, but not elsewhere in the brain. Moreover, in vitro, reelin increased levels of brain lipid-binding protein (which possibly influences radial glial cell morphology) and the extension of the processes of cortical, but not of basal ganglia-derived,radial glial cells. These effects, the authors show, are due to reelin signalling directly to radial glia.
New role for reelin
New role for reelin. Development 1 October 2003; 130 (19): e1901. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Development presents... live stream of our Journal Meeting

Watch a session from Development’s Journal Meeting, Unconventional and Emerging Experimental Organisms in Cell and Developmental Biology which was live on the Node Monday 18 September.
Navigating a research career with a disability

Our two recent Perspectives articles explore the lived experiences of disabled scientists in our community. Kelsey L. Anbuhl and colleagues describe the lived experiences of five biologists who share the challenges and successes of undertaking a scientific career with a disability. Whereas Jack Darius Morgan reviews the literature exploring disabled scientists’ experiences in academia.
Focus on regeneration

Tissue regeneration is a fascinating phenomenon, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying regeneration remain incompletely understood. Here, Development has collated a series of articles showcasing some of the most recent advances in regenerative biology.
Keeping up with the Node: Lab meetings

Keep up with the Node 'Lab meeting' posts as the platform regularly highlights development and stem cell biology labs from across the globe and showcases research and researchers from the community. September featured the Kerosuo lab at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, read their 'Lab meeting' article here.
Read & Publish Open Access publishing: what authors say

We have had great feedback from authors who have benefitted from our Read & Publish agreement with their institution and have been able to publish Open Access with us without paying an APC. Read what they had to say.