Distribution of Mahogany/Attractin mRNA in the rat central nervous system

The Mahogany/Attractin gene (Atrn) has been proposed as a downstream mediat or of Agouti signaling because yellow hair color and obesity in lethal yell ow (A)(y) mice are suppressed by the mahogany (Atrn(mg)) mutation. The pres ent study examined the distribution of Atrn mRNA in the brain and spinal co rd by in situ hybridization, Atrn mRNA was found widely distributed through out the central nervous system, with high levels in regions of the olfactor y system, some limbic structures, regions of the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. In the hypothalamus, Atrn mRNA was found in specific nuclei in cluding the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the supraoptic nucleus, the medial pre optic nucleus, the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, the ventromedial h ypothalamic nucleus, and the arcuate nucleus. These results suggest a broad spectrum of physiological functions for the Atm gene product. (C) 1999 Fed eration of European Biochemical Societies.