Anti-Reelin (RELN, RL, Reeler)

The reeler mutant in mouse displays an abnormal pattern of cell migration throughout the cerebral and cerebellar cortices. The preplate forms normally, and the neurons differentiate at the correct times in the ventricular zone. However, instead of forming the normal "inside-out" arrangement of neurons in the cortical plate, the older neurons are found furthest from the ventricular zone, while the younger neurons do not migrate far at all. The reeler cerebral cortex is inverted from that of the wild type mouse. The defect of the reeler mice appears to be in the production of an extracellular matrix protein by the Cajal-Retzius cells (D'Arcangelo et al., 1995, Nature 374:719-723., Ogawa et al., 1995 Neuron 14:899-912.) This 388kDa protein is made by wild-type mice but not by the reeler mutants. It is thought that this Reelin protein is crucial for positioning the migrating neuron within the cortical plate (Figure 1). In the absence of Reelin, the migrating neuron would be "lost," and the cortical plate would be abnormal. We do not yet know the mechanisms by which Reelin informs the cells as to their position, how the cell responds to Reelin, and why the absence of reelin should give an "inverted" plate. However, the identification of the protein encoded by the reeler gene should allow us to begin these studies. Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1:500 detects a band at~ 388kD, Immunohistochemistry: 1:10-1:2000, Immunohistochemistry(Paraffin sections): 1:10-1:2000, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Positive Control (IHC): Label Cajal-Retzius cells in the embryonic mouse telencephalon. Positive Control: Rat brain lysates, Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.