Page last updated: 2024-10-24

Cajal-Retzius cell differentiation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which a neuroblast acquires specialized structural and/or functional features of a Cajal-Retzius cell, one of a transient population of pioneering neurons in the cerebral cortex. These cells are slender bipolar cells of the developing marginal zone. One feature of these cells in mammals is that they express the Reelin gene. [GO_REF:0000021, GOC:cls, GOC:dgh, GOC:dph, GOC:jid]

Cajal-Retzius cells (CR cells) are a unique population of neurons found in the marginal zone of the developing cerebral cortex. They play crucial roles in cortical development, particularly in establishing the cortical layers and guiding neuronal migration. Their differentiation process involves several stages, each characterized by distinct molecular and cellular events:

1. **Specification:** CR cells originate from radial glial cells, the primary progenitors of the cerebral cortex. These glial cells express specific transcription factors, such as Pax6 and Tbr2, that initiate the lineage commitment towards CR cells.

2. **Migration:** Once specified, CR cells migrate from their birthplace in the ventricular zone to the marginal zone, the outermost layer of the developing cortex. This migration is guided by chemoattractant cues like Reelin, secreted by the CR cells themselves.

3. **Maturation and Functional Integration:** Upon reaching the marginal zone, CR cells undergo further maturation. They develop their characteristic morphology, characterized by a large, multipolar soma with a long, leading process extending towards the pial surface. They begin to express and secrete Reelin, which serves as a key signaling molecule for regulating neuronal migration, cortical lamination, and dendritic arborization.

4. **Synaptic Connectivity:** CR cells establish synaptic connections with other neurons in the developing cortex, including cortical neurons and thalamic neurons. These connections are crucial for coordinating the activity of various neuronal populations and ensuring proper cortical circuit formation.

5. **Apoptosis:** After completing their roles in cortical development, CR cells undergo programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. This process ensures the elimination of these transient cells and allows for the proper organization of the mature cortex.

The differentiation process of CR cells is tightly regulated by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, including transcription factors, signaling molecules, and cell-cell interactions. Disruptions in this process can lead to developmental abnormalities, such as cortical malformations and cognitive impairments.'
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Presenilin-1A presenilin-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P49768]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (22)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
tocopheroxy radicaltocopheroxy radical: RN given refers to radical ion (1+), (2R-(2R*(4R*,8R*)))-isomer; RN for cpd without isomeric designation not available 12/90tocopherol
7-amino-4-chloro-3-methoxy-2-benzopyran-1-oneisocoumarins
tarenflurbiltarenflurbil: R-enantiomer of flurbiprofen but not a COX inhibitor; modulates NF-kB, gamma-secretase, amyloid beta-protein;flurbiprofen
cholanic acid5beta-cholanic acids;
cholanic acid
t0901317T0901317: an LXRalpha and LXRbeta agonist
n-(n-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)alanyl)phenylglycine tert-butyl esterDAPT : A dipeptide consisting of alanylphenylglycine derivatised as a 3,5-difluorophenylacetamide at the amino terminal and a tert-butyl ester at the carboxy terminal. A gamma-secretase inhibitor.carboxylic ester;
difluorobenzene;
dipeptide;
tert-butyl ester
EC 3.4.23.46 (memapsin 2) inhibitor
sulindac sulfidesulindac sulfide : An aryl sulfide that is a metabolite of sulindac. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which also has anticancer activity.

sulindac sulfide: sulfated analog of indomethacin & inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro; RN given refers to cpd without isomeric designation; structure given in first source
aryl sulfide;
monocarboxylic acid;
organofluorine compound
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
l 685458L 685458: a gamma-secretase inhibitor; structure in first source

L-685,458 : A peptide and carboxamide that is L-leucyl-L-phenylalaninamide, L-Leu-L-Phe-NH2, which has been acylated on the N-terminus by a Phe-Phe hydroxyethylene dipeptide isotere, 2R-benzyl-5S-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4R-hydroxy-6-phenylhexanoic acid. Compounds based on the structure of L-685,458 are potent inhibitors of gamma-secretase, which mediates the final catalytic step that generates the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), which assembles into the neurotoxic aggregates in the brains of sufferers of Alzheimer's disease.
carbamate ester;
monocarboxylic acid amide;
peptide;
secondary alcohol
EC 3.4.23.46 (memapsin 2) inhibitor;
peptidomimetic
mk 0752
ly 450139peptide
chf 50741-(3',4'-dichloro-2-fluoro(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl)cyclopropanecarboxylic acid: a beta-amyloid(1-42) lowering agent; structure in first source
ly 411575dibenzoazepine;
difluorobenzene;
lactam;
secondary alcohol
EC 3.4.23.46 (memapsin 2) inhibitor
4-(2-((1r)-1-(((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)-2,5-difluoroanilino)ethyl)-5-fluorophenyl)butanoic acidsulfonamide
begacestat
e 2012
mrk 560MRK 560: a gamma-secretase inhibitor; MRK-560 is the (cis)-isomer; structure in first source
1, 3-di-(n-carboxybenzoyl-leucyl-leucyl)amino acetone1, 3-di-(N-carboxybenzoyl-leucyl-leucyl)amino acetone: structure in first source
pf 3084014nirogacestat : A member of the class of imidazoles that is 1H-imidazole substituted by a 1-[(2,2-dimethylpropyl)amino]-2-methylpropan-2-yl group at position 1 and a {N-[(2S)-6,8-difluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl]-L-norvalyl}amino group at position 4. It is a gamma-secretase inhibitor whose hydrobromide salt is indicated for adult patients with progressing desmoid tumours who require systemic treatment.

nirogacestat: an antineoplastic agent
bms 708163BMS 708163: structure in first sourceoxadiazole;
ring assembly
ro 4929097dibenzoazepine;
dicarboxylic acid diamide;
lactam;
organofluorine compound
EC 3.4.23.46 (memapsin 2) inhibitor
jnj 40418677
(r)-4-cyclopropyl-7,8-difluoro-5-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)-4,5-dihydro-1h-pyrazolo(4,3-c)quinoline(R)-4-cyclopropyl-7,8-difluoro-5-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo(4,3-c)quinoline: gamma secretase inhibitor; structure in first source