Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv10.1

Title: Neural expression of a sodium channel gene requires cell-specific interactions.

Authors: Y Okamura, F Ono, R Okagaki, J A Chong, G Mandel

Journal, date & volume: Neuron, 1994 Oct , 13, 937-48

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7946338

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.