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Huang C, Wang S, Deng J, Gu X, Guo S, Yin X. A "messenger zone hypothesis" based on the visual three-dimensional spatial distribution of motoneurons innervating deep limb muscles. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1559-1567. [PMID: 38051900 PMCID: PMC10883482 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.387972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202407000-00036/figure1/v/2023-11-20T171125Z/r/image-tiff
Coordinated contraction of skeletal muscles relies on selective connections between the muscles and multiple classes of the spinal motoneurons. However, current research on the spatial location of the spinal motoneurons innervating different muscles is limited. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution and relative position of different motoneurons that control the deep muscles of the mouse hindlimbs, which were innervated by the obturator nerve, femoral nerve, inferior gluteal nerve, deep peroneal nerve, and tibial nerve. Locations were visualized by combining a multiplex retrograde tracking technique compatible with three-dimensional imaging of solvent-cleared organs (3DISCO) and 3-D imaging technology based on lightsheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). Additionally, we propose the hypothesis that “messenger zones” exist as interlaced areas between the motoneuron pools that dominate the synergistic or antagonist muscle groups. We hypothesize that these interlaced neurons may participate in muscle coordination as messenger neurons. Analysis revealed the precise mutual positional relationships among the many motoneurons that innervate different deep muscles of the mouse. Not only do these findings update and supplement our knowledge regarding the overall spatial layout of spinal motoneurons that control mouse limb muscles, but they also provide insights into the mechanisms through which muscle activity is coordinated and the architecture of motor circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huang
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Wang
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Deng
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Gu
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhang Guo
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yin
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Chen Z, Fan G, Li A, Yuan J, Xu T. rAAV2-Retro Enables Extensive and High-Efficient Transduction of Lower Motor Neurons following Intramuscular Injection. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 17:21-33. [PMID: 31890738 PMCID: PMC6926343 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The motor system controls muscle movement through lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. Lower motor neurons are efferent neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by axonal projections that reach specific targets in the periphery. Lower motor neuron lesions result in the denervation and dysfunction of peripheral skeletal muscle. Great progress has been made to develop therapeutic strategies to transduce lower motor neurons with genes. However, the widespread distribution of lower motor neurons makes their specific, extensive, and efficient transduction a challenge. In this study, we demonstrated that, compared to the other tested recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) serotypes, rAAV2-retro mediated the most efficient retrograde transduction of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord following intramuscular injection in neonatal mice. A single injection of rAAV2-retro in a single muscle enabled the efficient and extensive transduction of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem rather than transducing only the lower motor neurons connected to the injected muscle. rAAV2-retro achieved the extensive transduction of lower motor neurons by the cerebrospinal fluid pathway. Our work suggests that gene delivery via the intramuscular injection of rAAV2-retro represents a promising tool in the development of gene therapy strategies for motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Chen
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoqing Fan
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anan Li
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tonghui Xu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Venkatasubramanian L, Guo Z, Xu S, Tan L, Xiao Q, Nagarkar-Jaiswal S, Mann RS. Stereotyped terminal axon branching of leg motor neurons mediated by IgSF proteins DIP-α and Dpr10. eLife 2019; 8:e42692. [PMID: 30714901 PMCID: PMC6391070 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For animals to perform coordinated movements requires the precise organization of neural circuits controlling motor function. Motor neurons (MNs), key components of these circuits, project their axons from the central nervous system and form precise terminal branching patterns at specific muscles. Focusing on the Drosophila leg neuromuscular system, we show that the stereotyped terminal branching of a subset of MNs is mediated by interacting transmembrane Ig superfamily proteins DIP-α and Dpr10, present in MNs and target muscles, respectively. The DIP-α/Dpr10 interaction is needed only after MN axons reach the vicinity of their muscle targets. Live imaging suggests that precise terminal branching patterns are gradually established by DIP-α/Dpr10-dependent interactions between fine axon filopodia and developing muscles. Further, different leg MNs depend on the DIP-α and Dpr10 interaction to varying degrees that correlate with the morphological complexity of the MNs and their muscle targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalanti Venkatasubramanian
- Department of Biological SciencesColumbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Department of NeuroscienceMortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Zhenhao Guo
- Department of Biological SciencesColumbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Shuwa Xu
- Department of Biological ChemistryUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Liming Tan
- Department of Biological ChemistryUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Qi Xiao
- Department of Biological ChemistryUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Sonal Nagarkar-Jaiswal
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Richard S Mann
- Department of NeuroscienceMortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior InstituteNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiophysicsColumbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
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4
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Abstract
Topographic maps are a basic organizational feature of nervous systems, and their construction involves both spatial and temporal cues. A recent study reports a novel mechanism of topographic map formation which relies on the timing of axon initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P D'Elia
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jeremy S Dasen
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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5
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Chen Z. Common cues wire the spinal cord: Axon guidance molecules in spinal neuron migration. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 85:71-77. [PMID: 29274387 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Topographic arrangement of neuronal cell bodies and axonal tracts are crucial for proper wiring of the nervous system. This involves often-coordinated neuronal migration and axon guidance during development. Most neurons migrate from their birthplace to specific topographic coordinates as they adopt the final cell fates and extend axons. The axons follow temporospatial specific guidance cues to reach the appropriate targets. When neuronal or axonal migration or their coordination is disrupted, severe consequences including neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological diseases, can arise. Neuronal and axonal migration shares some molecular mechanisms, as genes originally identified as axon guidance molecules have been increasingly shown to direct both navigation processes. This review focuses on axon guidance pathways that are shown to also direct neuronal migration in the vertebrate spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- Department of MCD Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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Kabayiza KU, Masgutova G, Harris A, Rucchin V, Jacob B, Clotman F. The Onecut Transcription Factors Regulate Differentiation and Distribution of Dorsal Interneurons during Spinal Cord Development. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:157. [PMID: 28603487 PMCID: PMC5445119 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, the dorsal spinal cord generates numerous interneuron populations eventually involved in motor circuits or in sensory networks that integrate and transmit sensory inputs from the periphery. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the specification of these multiple dorsal neuronal populations have been extensively characterized. In contrast, the factors that contribute to their diversification into smaller specialized subsets and those that control the specific distribution of each population in the developing spinal cord remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the Onecut transcription factors, namely Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-6 (HNF-6) (or OC-1), OC-2 and OC-3, regulate the diversification and the distribution of spinal dorsal interneuron (dINs). Onecut proteins are dynamically and differentially distributed in spinal dINs during differentiation and migration. Analyzes of mutant embryos devoid of Onecut factors in the developing spinal cord evidenced a requirement in Onecut proteins for proper production of a specific subset of dI5 interneurons. In addition, the distribution of dI3, dI5 and dI6 interneuron populations was altered. Hence, Onecut transcription factors control genetic programs that contribute to the regulation of spinal dIN diversification and distribution during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina U Kabayiza
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural DifferentiationBrussels, Belgium.,Biology Department, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of RwandaButare, Rwanda
| | - Gauhar Masgutova
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural DifferentiationBrussels, Belgium
| | - Audrey Harris
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural DifferentiationBrussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Rucchin
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural DifferentiationBrussels, Belgium
| | - Benvenuto Jacob
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, System and Cognition DivisionBrussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural DifferentiationBrussels, Belgium
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7
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Dasen JS. Master or servant? emerging roles for motor neuron subtypes in the construction and evolution of locomotor circuits. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2017; 42:25-32. [PMID: 27907815 PMCID: PMC5316365 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Execution of motor behaviors relies on the ability of circuits within the nervous system to engage functionally relevant subtypes of spinal motor neurons. While much attention has been given to the role of networks of spinal interneurons on setting the rhythm and pattern of output from locomotor circuits, recent studies suggest that motor neurons themselves can exert an instructive role in shaping the wiring and functional properties of locomotor networks. Alteration in the distribution of motor neuron subtypes also appears to have contributed to evolutionary transitions in the locomotor strategies used by land vertebrates. This review describes emerging evidence that motor neuron-derived cues can have a profound influence on the organization, wiring, and evolutionary diversification of locomotor circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Dasen
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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8
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Hanley O, Zewdu R, Cohen LJ, Jung H, Lacombe J, Philippidou P, Lee DH, Selleri L, Dasen JS. Parallel Pbx-Dependent Pathways Govern the Coalescence and Fate of Motor Columns. Neuron 2016; 91:1005-1020. [PMID: 27568519 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The clustering of neurons sharing similar functional properties and connectivity is a common organizational feature of vertebrate nervous systems. Within motor networks, spinal motor neurons (MNs) segregate into longitudinally arrayed subtypes, establishing a central somatotopic map of peripheral target innervation. MN organization and connectivity relies on Hox transcription factors expressed along the rostrocaudal axis; however, the developmental mechanisms governing the orderly arrangement of MNs are largely unknown. We show that Pbx genes, which encode Hox cofactors, are essential for the segregation and clustering of neurons within motor columns. In the absence of Pbx1 and Pbx3 function, Hox-dependent programs are lost and the remaining MN subtypes are unclustered and disordered. Identification of Pbx gene targets revealed an unexpected and apparently Hox-independent role in defining molecular features of dorsally projecting medial motor column (MMC) neurons. These results indicate Pbx genes act in parallel genetic pathways to orchestrate neuronal subtype differentiation, connectivity, and organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Hanley
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Rediet Zewdu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lisa J Cohen
- Genome Technology Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Heekyung Jung
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Julie Lacombe
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Polyxeni Philippidou
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - David H Lee
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Licia Selleri
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jeremy S Dasen
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Luxey M, Laussu J, Davy A. EphrinB2 sharpens lateral motor column division in the developing spinal cord. Neural Dev 2015; 10:25. [PMID: 26503288 PMCID: PMC4624581 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-015-0051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During sensori-motor circuit development, the somas of motoneurons (MN) are distributed in a topographic manner in the ventral horn of the neural tube. Indeed, their position within the lateral motor columns (LMC) correlates with axonal trajectories and identity of target limb muscles. The mechanisms by which this topographic distribution is established remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we assessed the role of ephrinB2 in MN topographic organization in the developing mouse spinal cord. Results First, we used a reporter mouse line to establish the spatio-temporal expression pattern of EfnB2 in the developing LMC. We show that early in LMC development, ephrinB2 is differentially expressed in MN of the lateral versus medial LMC, suggesting a possible role in MN sorting and/or migration. We demonstrate that while MN-specific excision of EfnB2 did not perturb specification or migration of MN, conditional loss of ephrinB2 led to the blurring of the LMC divisional boundary and to errors in the selection of LMC axon trajectory in the limb. Conclusions Altogether, our study uncovered a novel cell autonomous role for ephrinB2 in LMC MN thus emphasizing the prevalent role of this ephrin member in maintaining cell population boundaries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13064-015-0051-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëva Luxey
- Centre de Biologie du Développement, CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France.,Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Institut de Recherche Clinique de Montréal, 110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal (Québec), H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Julien Laussu
- Centre de Biologie du Développement, CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France.,Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Alice Davy
- Centre de Biologie du Développement, CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France. .,Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
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Abstract
Control of movement is a fundamental and complex task of the vertebrate nervous system, which relies on communication between circuits distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. Many of the networks essential for the execution of basic locomotor behaviors are composed of discrete neuronal populations residing within the spinal cord. The organization and connectivity of these circuits is established through programs that generate functionally diverse neuronal subtypes, each contributing to a specific facet of motor output. Significant progress has been made in deciphering how neuronal subtypes are specified and in delineating the guidance and synaptic specificity determinants at the core of motor circuit assembly. Recent studies have shed light on the basic principles linking locomotor circuit connectivity with function, and they are beginning to reveal how more sophisticated motor behaviors are encoded. In this review, we discuss the impact of developmental programs in specifying motor behaviors governed by spinal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Catela
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016;
| | - Maggie M Shin
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016;
| | - Jeremy S Dasen
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016;
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11
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Stifani N. Motor neurons and the generation of spinal motor neuron diversity. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:293. [PMID: 25346659 PMCID: PMC4191298 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) are neuronal cells located in the central nervous system (CNS) controlling a variety of downstream targets. This function infers the existence of MN subtypes matching the identity of the targets they innervate. To illustrate the mechanism involved in the generation of cellular diversity and the acquisition of specific identity, this review will focus on spinal MNs (SpMNs) that have been the core of significant work and discoveries during the last decades. SpMNs are responsible for the contraction of effector muscles in the periphery. Humans possess more than 500 different skeletal muscles capable to work in a precise time and space coordination to generate complex movements such as walking or grasping. To ensure such refined coordination, SpMNs must retain the identity of the muscle they innervate. Within the last two decades, scientists around the world have produced considerable efforts to elucidate several critical steps of SpMNs differentiation. During development, SpMNs emerge from dividing progenitor cells located in the medial portion of the ventral neural tube. MN identities are established by patterning cues working in cooperation with intrinsic sets of transcription factors. As the embryo develop, MNs further differentiate in a stepwise manner to form compact anatomical groups termed pools connecting to a unique muscle target. MN pools are not homogeneous and comprise subtypes according to the muscle fibers they innervate. This article aims to provide a global view of MN classification as well as an up-to-date review of the molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of SpMN diversity. Remaining conundrums will be discussed since a complete understanding of those mechanisms constitutes the foundation required for the elaboration of prospective MN regeneration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Stifani
- Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada
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