Differential anatomical and cellular expression of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 in adult mouse brain.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid that acts as an extracellular signaling molecule through six G-protein-coupled receptors: LPA₁-LPA₆. Recent studies have demonstrated that LPA signaling via LPA₁ receptor plays a crucial role in cognition and emotion. However, because of limited availability of reliable antibodies, it is currently difficult to identify the cell types expressing LPA₁ receptor in the brain. The current study explored the cellular distribution pattern of LPA₁ receptor in the brain using the LPA₁ lacZ-knock-in reporter mice. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that LacZ gene expression in these mice reflected the expression of endogenous LPA₁ receptor in the brain. Overall, some brain nuclei contained higher levels of LPA₁ receptor than others. The majority of LPA₁ receptor-expressing cells were Olig2⁺ oligodendrocytes. In addition, ALDH1l1⁺ astrocytes and CD31⁺ vascular endothelial cells also expressed LPA₁ receptor. By contrast, NeuN⁺ neuron and Iba1⁺ microglia expressed little or no LPA₁ receptor. The current neuroanatomical findings will aid in elucidating a role of brain LPA₁ receptor, especially those involved in cognition and emotion.

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