Abnormal Microglial Density and Morphology in the Brain of Cyclooxygenase 2 Knockin Mice.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a signaling molecule produced by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) that is important in healthy brain development. Anomalies in the COX-2/PGE2 pathway due to genetic or environmental factors have been linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Our previous studies showed that COX-2 deficient (COX-2KI) mice exhibit sex-dependent molecular changes in the brain and associated autism-related behaviors.

Abnormal dendritic morphology in the cerebellum of cyclooxygenase-2 knockin mice.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a bioactive signalling molecule metabolized from the phospholipid membranes by the enzymatic activity of cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2). In the developing brain, COX-2 constitutively regulates the production of PGE2, which is important in neuronal development. However, abnormal COX-2/PGE2 signalling has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Maternal exposure to prostaglandin E modifies expression of Wnt genes in mouse brain - An autism connection.

Prostaglandin E (PGE) is a lipid signaling molecule important for brain development and function. Various genetic and environmental factors can influence the level of PGE and increase the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We have previously shown that in neuronal cell lines and mouse brain, PGE can interfere with the Wnt canonical pathway, which is essential during early brain development.

Microarray analysis of gene expression in the cyclooxygenase knockout mice - a connection to autism spectrum disorder.

The cellular and molecular events that take place during brain development play an important role in governing function of the mature brain. Lipid-signalling molecules such as prostaglandin E (PGE ) play an important role in healthy brain development. Abnormalities along the COX-PGE signalling pathway due to genetic or environmental causes have been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Prostaglandin E2 promotes neural proliferation and differentiation and regulates Wnt target gene expression.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) is an endogenous lipid molecule that regulates important physiological functions, including calcium signaling, neuronal plasticity, and immune responses. Exogenous factors such as diet, exposure to immunological agents, toxic chemicals, and drugs can influence PGE2 levels in the developing brain and have been associated with autism disorders. This study seeks to determine whether changes in PGE2 level can alter the behavior of undifferentiated and differentiating neuroectodermal (NE-4C) stem cells and whether PGE2 signaling impinges on the Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

Prostaglandin E2 elevates calcium in differentiated neuroectodermal stem cells.

Lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an endogenous signaling molecule that plays an important role during early development of the nervous system. Abnormalities in the PGE2 signaling pathway have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders. In this study we use ratiometric fura-2AM calcium imaging to show that higher levels of PGE2 elevate intracellular calcium levels in the cell soma and growth cones of differentiated neuroectodermal (NE-4C) stem cells.