Cortical development in the presenilin-1 null mutant mouse fails after splitting of the preplate and is not due to a failure of reelin-dependent signaling

Cortical development is disrupted in presenilin-1 null mutant (Psen1-/-) mice. Prior studies have commented on similarities between Psen1-/- and reeler mice. Reelin induces phosphorylation of Dab1 and activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Psen1 is known to modulate PI3K/Akt signaling and both known reelin receptors (apoER2 and VLDLR) are substrates for Psen1 associated γ-secretase activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether reelin signaling is disrupted in Psen1-/- mice. We show that, while Dab1 is hypophosphorylated late in cortical development in Psen1-/-mice, it is normally phosphorylated at earlier ages and reelin signaling is intact in Psen1-/- primary neuronal cultures. γ-secretase activity was also not required for reelin-induced phosphorylation of Dab1. Unlike reeler mice the preplate splits in Psen1-/- brain. Thus cortical development in Psen1-/- mice fails only after splitting of the preplate and is not due to an intrinsic failure of reelin signaling.