THE EXPRESSION OF A NOVEL RECEPTOR-TYPE TYROSINE PHOSPHATASE SUGGESTSA ROLE IN MORPHOGENESIS AND PLASTICITY OF THE NERVOUS-SYSTEM

Analysis of the localization of receptor-type protein tyrosine phospha tase-beta (RPTP-beta) by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry indicates that it is predominantly expressed in the developing centra l nervous system (CNS). RPTP-beta is highly expressed in radial glia a nd other forms of glial cells that play an important role during devel opment. The immunoreactivity localizes to the radial processes of thes e cells, which act as guides during neuronal migration and axonal elon gation. The pattern of RPTP-beta expression changes with the progressi on of glial cell differentiation. In the adult, high levels of RPTP-be ta are seen in regions of the brain where there is continued neurogene sis and neurite outgrowth. The spatial and temporal patterns of RPTP-b eta expression suggest that this receptor phosphatase plays a role in morphogenesis and plasticity of the nervous system.