Α6 Integrin Subunit Regulates Cerebellar Development (original) (raw)

The α6 integrin subunit plays a crucial role in the development of the cerebellum by regulating the process outgrowth of Bergmann glial cells, which are essential for proper fissure formation during cerebellar morphogenesis. Mutant mice lacking the α6 integrin specifically in neuronal and glial precursors exhibit normal cerebellar granule cell proliferation and migration, but display defects in foliation patterns and abnormalities in the morphology of Bergmann glial fibers. These findings highlight the importance of α6 integrin in the interactions between glial cells and the extracellular matrix in the developing cerebellum.