The expression profile of the tumor suppressor gene Lzts1 suggests a role in neuronal development

Background: Neuronal circuit assembly comprises a number of developmental processes that ultimately underlie function. Identifying the molecular events that dictate these processes can give key insights into how neuronal circuit formation is coordinated. To begin to identify such molecular mechanisms, we have analysed the expression of a candidate gene of entirely unknown function within the nervous system. Here we reveal the spatial and temporal distribution of Lzts1 in mouse and chick embryonic spinal cord and propose potential biological functions. Results: Lzts1 mRNA is transiently expressed at the border of the ventricular and mantle zones in subsets of sensory and motor spinal neurons. The protein is localized to the cell body, axon, and trailing process of motor, commissural, and dorsal root neurons during development. Conclusions: Taken together, the spatial and temporal distribution of Lzts1 is consistent with a potential function(s) in cell cycle regulation, axon growth or guidance, and/or migration of neurons. Developmental Dynamics 241:984994, 2012. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.