Aberrant development of hippocampal circuits and altered neural activity in netrin 1-deficient mice

Acetylcholine synergizes with netrin-1 to drive persistent firing in the entorhinal cortex

The ability of the mammalian brain to maintain spatial representations of external or internal information for short periods of time has been associated with sustained neuronal spiking and reverberatory neural network activity in the medial entorhinal cortex. Here, we show that conditional genetic deletion of netrin-1 or the netrin receptor deleted-in-colorectal cancer (DCC) from forebrain excitatory neurons leads to deficits in short-term spatial memory. We then demonstrate that conditional deletion of either netrin-1 or DCC inhibits cholinergic persistent firing and show that cholinergic activation of muscarinic receptors expressed by entorhinal cortical neurons promotes persistent firing by recruiting DCC to the plasma membrane. Together, these findings indicate that normal short-term spatial memory function requires the synergistic actions of acetylcholine and netrin-1.

Bridging the Gap: The Importance of TUBA1A α-Tubulin in Forming Midline Commissures

Developing neurons undergo dramatic morphological changes to appropriately migrate and extend axons to make synaptic connections. The microtubule cytoskeleton, made of α/β-tubulin dimers, drives neurite outgrowth, promotes neuronal growth cone responses, and facilitates intracellular transport of critical cargoes during neurodevelopment. TUBA1A constitutes the majority of α-tubulin in the developing brain and mutations to TUBA1A in humans cause severe brain malformations accompanied by varying neurological defects, collectively termed tubulinopathies. Studies of TUBA1A function in mammalian cells have been limited by the presence of multiple genes encoding highly similar tubulin proteins, which leads to α-tubulin antibody promiscuity and makes genetic manipulation challenging. Here, we test mutant tubulin levels and assembly activity and analyze the impact of TUBA1A reduction on growth cone composition, neurite extension, and commissural axon architecture during brain development. We present a novel tagging method for studying and manipulating TUBA1A in cells without impairing tubulin function. Using this tool, we show that a TUBA1A loss-of-function mutation TUBA1A N102D (TUBA1A ND ), reduces TUBA1A protein levels and prevents incorporation of TUBA1A into microtubule polymers. Reduced Tuba1a α-tubulin in heterozygous Tuba1a ND/+ mice leads to grossly normal brain formation except a significant impact on axon extension and impaired formation of forebrain commissures. Neurons with reduced Tuba1a as a result of the Tuba1a ND mutation exhibit slower neuron outgrowth compared to controls. Neurons deficient in Tuba1a failed to localize microtubule associated protein-1b (Map1b) to the developing growth cone, likely impacting stabilization of microtubules. Overall, we show that reduced Tuba1a is sufficient to support neuronal migration and cortex development but not commissure formation, and provide mechanistic insight as to how TUBA1A tunes microtubule function to support neurodevelopment.

Neuronal diversity and reciprocal connectivity between the vertebrate hippocampus and septum

A hallmark of the nervous system is the precision with which myriad cell types are integrated into functional networks that control complex behaviors. The limbic system governs evolutionarily conserved processes essential for survival. The septum and the hippocampus are central to the limbic system, and control not only emotion-related behaviors but also learning and memory. Here, we provide a developmental and evolutionary perspective of the hippocampus and septum and highlight the neuronal diversity and circuitry that connects these two central components of the limbic system. This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles Comparative Development and Evolution > Regulation of Organ Diversity.

Functions of Plexins/Neuropilins and Their Ligands during Hippocampal Development and Neurodegeneration

There is emerging evidence that molecules, receptors, and signaling mechanisms involved in vascular development also play crucial roles during the development of the nervous system. Among others, specific semaphorins and their receptors (neuropilins and plexins) have, in recent years, attracted the attention of researchers due to their pleiotropy of functions. Their functions, mainly associated with control of the cellular cytoskeleton, include control of cell migration, cell morphology, and synapse remodeling. Here, we will focus on their roles in the hippocampal formation that plays a crucial role in memory and learning as it is a prime target during neurodegeneration.

Syntaxin-1/TI-VAMP SNAREs interact with Trk receptors and are required for neurotrophin-dependent outgrowth

SNARE proteins are essential components of the machinery that regulates vesicle trafficking and exocytosis. Their role is critical for the membrane-fusion processes that occur during neurotransmitter release. However, research in the last decade has also unraveled the relevance of these proteins in membrane expansion and cytoskeletal rearrangements during developmental processes such as neuronal migration and growth cone extension and attraction. Neurotrophins are neurotrophic factors that are required for many cellular functions throughout the brain, including neurite outgrowth and guidance, synaptic formation, and plasticity. Here we show that neurotrophin Trk receptors form a specific protein complex with the t-SNARE protein Syntaxin 1, both in vivo and in vitro. We also demonstrate that blockade of Syntaxin 1 abolishes neurotrophin-dependent growth of axons in neuronal cultures and decreases exocytotic events at the tip of axonal growth cones. 25-kDa soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein and Vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 do not participate in the formation of this SNARE complex, while tetanus neurotoxin-insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein interacts with Trk receptors; knockdown of this (v) SNARE impairs Trk-dependent outgrowth. Taken together, our results support the notion that an atypical SNARE complex comprising Syntaxin 1 and tetanus neurotoxin-insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein is required for axonal neurotrophin function.

The chemorepellent draxin is involved in hippocampal mossy fiber projection

Lamina-specific afferent innervation of the mammalian hippocampus is critical for its function. We investigated the relevance of the chemorepellent draxin to the laminar projections of three principal hippocampal afferents: mossy fibers, entorhinal, and associational/commissural fibers. We observed that draxin deficiency led to abnormal projection of mossy fibers but not other afferents. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that draxin is expressed in the dentate gyrus and cornu ammonis (CA) 3 at postnatal day 0, when dentate granule cells begin to extend mossy fibers towards CA3. Furthermore, a neurite growth assay using dissociated cells of the neonatal dentate gyrus revealed that draxin inhibited the growth of calbindin-D28k-expressing mossy fibers in vitro. Taken together, we conclude that draxin is a key molecule in the regulation of mossy fiber projections.

Large-scale microfluidic gradient arrays reveal axon guidance behaviors in hippocampal neurons

High-throughput quantitative approaches to study axon growth behaviors have remained a challenge. We have developed a 1024-chamber microfluidic gradient generator array that enables large-scale investigations of axon guidance and growth dynamics from individual primary mammalian neurons, which are exposed to gradients of diffusible molecules. Our microfluidic method (a) generates statistically rich data sets, (b) produces a stable, reproducible gradient with negligible shear stresses on the culture surface, (c) is amenable to the long-term culture of primary neurons without any unconventional protocol, and (d) eliminates the confounding influence of cell-secreted factors. Using this platform, we demonstrate that hippocampal axon guidance in response to a netrin-1 gradient is concentration-dependent-attractive at higher concentrations and repulsive at lower concentrations. We also show that the turning of the growth cone depends on the angle of incidence of the gradient. Our study highlights the potential of microfluidic devices in producing large amounts of data from morphogen and chemokine gradients that play essential roles not only in axonal navigation but also in stem cell differentiation, cell migration, and immune response.

Netrin-1 induces local translation of down syndrome cell adhesion molecule in axonal growth cones

Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) plays an important role in many neurodevelopmental processes such as axon guidance, dendrite arborization, and synapse formation. DSCAM is located in the Down syndrome trisomic region of human chromosome 21 and may contribute to the Down syndrome brain phenotype, which includes a reduction in the formation of long-distance connectivity. The local translation of a select group of mRNA transcripts within growth cones is necessary for the formation of appropriate neuronal connectivity. Interestingly, we have found that Dscam mRNA is localized to growth cones of mouse hippocampal neurons, and is dynamically regulated in response to the axon guidance molecule, netrin-1. Furthermore, netrin-1 stimulation results in an increase in locally translated DSCAM protein in growth cones. Deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), a netrin-1 receptor, is required for the netrin-1-induced increase in Dscam mRNA local translation. We also find that two RNA-binding proteins-fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB)-colocalize with Dscam mRNA in growth cones, suggesting their regulation of Dscam mRNA localization and translation. Finally, overexpression of DSCAM in mouse cortical neurons results in a severe stunting of axon outgrowth and branching, suggesting that an increase in DSCAM protein results in a structural change having functional consequences. Taken together, these results suggest that netrin-1-induced local translation of Dscam mRNA during embryonic development may be an important mechanism to regulate axon growth and guidance in the developing nervous system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 799-816, 2016.

Developmental alterations of the septohippocampal cholinergic projection in a lissencephalic mouse model

LIS1 is one of principal genes related with Type I lissencephaly, a severe human brain malformation characterized by abnormal neuronal migration in the cortex. The LIS1 gene encodes a brain-specific 45kDa non-catalytic subunit of platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetylhydrolase-1b (PAFAH1b), an enzyme that inactivates the PAF. We have studied the role of Lis1 using a Lis1/sLis1 murine model, which has deleted the first coding exon from Lis1 gene. Homozygous mice are not viable but heterozygous have shown a delayed corticogenesis and neuronal dysplasia, with enhanced cortical excitability. Lis1/sLis1 embryos also exhibited a delay of cortical innervation by the thalamocortical fibers. We have explored in Lis1/sLis1 mice anomalies in forebrain cholinergic neuron development, which migrate from pallium to subpallium, and functionally represent the main cholinergic input to the cerebral cortex, modulating cortical activity and facilitating attention, learning, and memory. We hypothesized that primary migration anomalies and/or disorganized cortex could affect cholinergic projections from the basal forebrain and septum in Lis1/sLis1 mouse. To accomplish our objective we have first studied basal forebrain neurons in Lis1/sLis1 mice during development, and described structural and hodological differences between wild-type and Lis1/sLis1 embryos. In addition, septohippocampal projections showed altered development in mutant embryos. Basal forebrain abnormalities could contribute to hippocampal excitability anomalies secondary to Lis1 mutations and may explain the cognitive symptoms associated to cortical displasia-related mental diseases and epileptogenic syndromes.

Functional synergy between cholecystokinin receptors CCKAR and CCKBR in mammalian brain development

Cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide hormone and one of the most abundant neuropeptides in vertebrate brain, mediates its actions via two G-protein coupled receptors, CCKAR and CCKBR, respectively active in peripheral organs and the central nervous system. Here, we demonstrate that the CCK receptors have a dynamic and largely reciprocal expression in embryonic and postnatal brain. Using compound homozygous mutant mice lacking the activity of both CCK receptors, we uncover their additive, functionally synergistic effects in brain development and demonstrate that CCK receptor loss leads to abnormalities of cortical development, including defects in the formation of the midline and corpus callosum, and cortical interneuron migration. Using comparative transcriptome analysis of embryonic neocortex, we define the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects. Thus we demonstrate a developmental, hitherto unappreciated, role of the two CCK receptors in mammalian neocortical development.

Extracellular matrix control of dendritic spine and synapse structure and plasticity in adulthood

Dendritic spines are the receptive contacts at most excitatory synapses in the central nervous system. Spines are dynamic in the developing brain, changing shape as they mature as well as appearing and disappearing as they make and break connections. Spines become much more stable in adulthood, and spine structure must be actively maintained to support established circuit function. At the same time, adult spines must retain some plasticity so their structure can be modified by activity and experience. As such, the regulation of spine stability and remodeling in the adult animal is critical for normal function, and disruption of these processes is associated with a variety of late onset diseases including schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The extracellular matrix (ECM), composed of a meshwork of proteins and proteoglycans, is a critical regulator of spine and synapse stability and plasticity. While the role of ECM receptors in spine regulation has been extensively studied, considerably less research has focused directly on the role of specific ECM ligands. Here, we review the evidence for a role of several brain ECM ligands and remodeling proteases in the regulation of dendritic spine and synapse formation, plasticity, and stability in adults.

Calcium influx and postsynaptic proteins coordinate the dendritic filopodium-spine transition

Dendritic spines are the major locations of excitatory synapses in the mammalian central nervous system. The transformation from dendritic filopodia to dendritic spines has been recognized as one type of spinogenesis. For instance, syndecan-2 (SDC2), a synaptic heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is highly concentrated at dendritic spines and required for spinogenesis. It induces dendritic filopodia formation, followed by spine formation. However, the molecular regulation of the filopodium-spine transition induced by SDC2 is still unclear. In this report, we show that calcium is an important signal downstream of SDC2 in regulation of filopodium-spine transition but not filopodia formation. SDC2 interacted with the postsynaptic proteins calmodulin-dependent serine kinase (CASK) and LIN7 and further recruited NMDAR to the tips of filopodia induced by SDC2. Calcium influx via NMDAR promoted spine maturation because addition of EGTA or AP5 to the culture medium effectively prevented morphological change from dendritic filopodia to dendritic spines. Our data also indicated that F-actin rearrangement regulated by calcium influx is involved in the morphological change, because the knockdown of gelsolin, a calcium-activated F-actin severing molecule, impaired the filopodium-spine transition induced by SDC2. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that postsynaptic proteins coordinate to trigger calcium signalling and cytoskeleton rearrangement and consequently control filopodium-spine transition.

Unc5C and DCC act downstream of Ctip2 and Satb2 and contribute to corpus callosum formation

The pyramidal neurons of the mammalian neocortex form two major types of long-range connections-corticocortical and cortico-subcortical. The transcription factors Satb2 and Ctip2 are critical regulators of neuronal cell fate that control interhemispheric versus corticofugal connections respectively. Here, we investigate the axon guidance molecules downstream of Satb2 and Ctip2 that establish these connections. We show that the expression of two Netrin1 receptors- DCC and Unc5C is under direct negative regulation by Satb2 and Ctip2, respectively. Further, we show that the Netrin1-Unc5C/DCC interaction is involved in controlling the interhemispherical projection in a subset of early born, deep layer callosal neurons.

Simultaneous generation of gradients with gradually changed slope in a microfluidic device for quantifying axon response

Over the past decades, various microfluidic devices have been developed to investigate the role of the molecular gradient in axonal development; however, there are very few devices providing quantitative information about the response of axons to molecular gradients with different slopes. Here, we propose a novel laminar-based microfluidic device enabling simultaneous generation of multiple gradients with gradually changed slope on a single chip. This device, with two asymmetrically designed peripheral channels and opposite flow direction, could generate gradients with gradually changed slope in the center channel, enabling us to investigate simultaneously the response of axons to multiple slope gradients with the same batch of neurons. We quantitatively investigated the response of axon growth rate and growth direction to substrate-bound laminin gradients with different slopes using this single-layer chip. Furthermore, we compartmented this gradient generation chip and a cell culture chip by a porous membrane to investigate quantitatively the response of axon growth rate to the gradient of soluble factor netrin-1. The results suggested that contacting with a molecular gradient would effectively accelerate neurites growth and enhance axonal formation, and the axon guidance ratio obviously increased with the increase of gradient slope in a proper range. The capability of generating a molecular gradient with continuously variable slopes on a single chip would open up opportunities for obtaining quantitative information about the sensitivity of axons and other types of cells in response to gradients of various proteins.

Engineered cell culture substrates for axon guidance studies: moving beyond proof of concept

Promoting axon regeneration following injury is one of the ultimate challenges of neuroscience, and understanding the mechanisms that regulate axon growth and guidance is essential to achieve this goal. During development axons are directed over relatively long distances by a precise extracellular distribution of chemical signals in the embryonic nervous system. Multiple guidance proteins, including netrins, slits, semaphorins, ephrins and neurotrophins have been identified as key players in this process. During the last decade, engineered cell culture substrates have been developed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying axon guidance. This review is focused on the biological insights that have been achieved using new techniques that attempt to mimic in vitro the spatial patterns of proteins that growth cones encounter in vivo.

Dual origins of the mammalian accessory olfactory bulb revealed by an evolutionarily conserved migratory stream

The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is a critical olfactory structure that has been implicated in mediating social behavior. It receives input from the vomeronasal organ and projects to targets in the amygdaloid complex. Its anterior and posterior components (aAOB and pAOB) display molecular, connectional and functional segregation in processing reproductive and defensive and aggressive behaviors, respectively. We observed a dichotomy in the development of the projection neurons of the aAOB and pAOB in mice. We found that they had distinct sites of origin and that different regulatory molecules were required for their specification and migration. aAOB neurons arose locally in the rostral telencephalon, similar to main olfactory bulb neurons. In contrast, pAOB neurons arose caudally, from the neuroepithelium of the diencephalic-telencephalic boundary, from which they migrated rostrally to reach their destination. This unusual origin and migration is conserved in Xenopus, providing an insight into the origin of a key component of this system in evolution.

Actin isoforms in neuronal development and function

The actin cytoskeleton contributes directly or indirectly to nearly every aspect of neuronal development and function. This diversity of functions is often attributed to actin regulatory proteins, although how the composition of the actin cytoskeleton itself may influence its function is often overlooked. In neurons, the actin cytoskeleton is composed of two distinct isoforms, β- and γ-actin. Functions for β-actin have been investigated in axon guidance, synaptogenesis, and disease. Insight from loss-of-function in vivo studies has also revealed novel roles for β-actin in select brain structures and behaviors. Conversely, very little is known regarding functions of γ-actin in neurons. The dysregulation or mutation of both β- and γ-actin has been implicated in multiple human neurological disorders, however, demonstrating the critical importance of these still poorly understood proteins. This chapter highlights what is currently known regarding potential distinct functions for β- and γ-actin in neurons as well as the significant areas that remain unexplored.

Focal adhesion kinase regulates actin nucleation and neuronal filopodia formation during axonal growth

The establishment of neural circuits depends on the ability of axonal growth cones to sense their surrounding environment en route to their target. To achieve this, a coordinated rearrangement of cytoskeleton in response to extracellular cues is essential. Although previous studies have identified different chemotropic and adhesion molecules that influence axonal development, the molecular mechanism by which these signals control the cytoskeleton remains poorly understood. Here, we show that in vivo conditional ablation of the focal adhesion kinase gene (Fak) from mouse hippocampal pyramidal cells impairs axon outgrowth and growth cone morphology during development, which leads to functional defects in neuronal connectivity. Time-lapse recordings and in vitro FRAP analysis indicate that filopodia motility is altered in growth cones lacking FAK, probably owing to deficient actin turnover. We reveal the intracellular pathway that underlies this process and describe how phosphorylation of the actin nucleation-promoting factor N-WASP is required for FAK-dependent filopodia formation. Our study reveals a novel mechanism through which FAK controls filopodia formation and actin nucleation during axonal development.

The ratio of 'deleted in colorectal cancer' to 'uncoordinated-5A' netrin-1 receptors on the growth cone regulates mossy fibre directionality

Proper axonal targeting is fundamental to the establishment of functional neural circuits. The hippocampal mossy fibres normally project towards the CA3 region. In the hippocampi of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and related animal models, however, mossy fibres project towards the molecular layer and produce the hyperexcitable recurrent networks. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this aberrant axonal targeting, known as mossy fibre sprouting, remain unclear. Netrin-1 attracts or repels axons depending on the composition of its attraction-mediating receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer, and its repulsion-mediating receptor, uncoordinated-5, on the growth cone; but the roles of netrin-1-dependent guidance in pathological conditions are largely unknown. In this study, we examined the role of netrin-1 and its receptors in mossy fibre guidance and report that enhanced neuronal activity changes netrin-1-mediated cell targeting by the axons under hyperexcitable conditions. Netrin-1 antibody or Dcc ribonucleic acid interference attenuated mossy fibre growth towards CA3 in slice overlay assays. The axons were repelled from CA3 and ultimately innervated the molecular layer when hyperactivity was pharmacologically introduced. We first hypothesized that a reduction in netrin-1 expression in CA3 underlies the phenomenon, but found that its expression was increased. We then examined two possible activity-dependent changes in netrin-1 receptor expression: a reduction in the deleted in colorectal cancer receptor and induction of uncoordinated-5 receptor. Hyperactivity did not affect the surface expression of the deleted in colorectal cancer receptor on the growth cone, but it increased that of uncoordinated-5A, which was suppressed by blocking cyclic adenosine monophosphate signalling. In addition, Dcc knockdown did not affect hyperactivity-induced mossy fibre sprouting in the slice cultures, whereas Unc5a knockdown rescued the mistargeting. Thus, netrin-1 appears to attract mossy fibres via the deleted in colorectal cancer receptor, while it repels them via cyclic adenosine monophosphate-induced uncoordinated-5A under hyperexcitable conditions, resulting in mossy fibre sprouting.

Bcl11A/CTIP1 regulates expression of DCC and MAP1b in control of axon branching and dendrite outgrowth

The extension of axon branches is important for target innervation but how axon branching is regulated is currently not well understood. Here, we report that Bcl11A/CTIP1/Evi9, a zinc finger transcription factor, downregulates axon branching. Knockdown of Bcl11A induced axon branching and multi-axon formation, as well as dendrite outgrowth. Due to alternative splicing, a single Bcl11A gene encodes two protein products, Bcl11A-L and -S. Bcl11A-L was found to be the main Bcl11A player in regulation of neurite arborization; Bcl11A-S is an antagonist of Bcl11A-L. Time-lapse study further suggests that Bcl11A-L knockdown enhances axon dynamics and increases the duration of axon outgrowth. Finally, the expression of DCC and MAP1b, two molecules involved in direction and branching of axon outgrowth, is controlled by Bcl11A-L. DCC overexpression rescues the phenotype induced by Bcl11A-L knockdown. In conclusion, this report provides the first evidence that Bcl11A is important for neurite arborization.

Netrins and their receptors

Netrins are a family of proteins that direct cell and axon migration during development. Three secreted netrins (netrin-1, -3 and -4) have been identified in mammals, in addition to two GPI-anchored membrane proteins, netrin-G1 and G2. Orthologues of netrin-1 play a highly conserved role as guidance cues at the midline of the developing CNS of vertebrates and some bilaterally symmetric invertebrates. In vertebrates, floor plate cells at the ventral midline of the embryonic neural tube secrete netrin-1, generating a circumferential gradient of netrin protein in the neuroepithelium. This protein gradient is bifunctional, attracting some axons to the midline and repelling others. Receptors for the secreted netrins include DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer) and the UNC5 homologues: UNC5A, B, C and D in mammals. DCC mediates chemoattraction, while repulsion requires an UNC5 homologue and, in some cases, DCC. The netrin-G proteins bind NGLs (netrin G ligands), single pass transmembrane proteins unrelated to either DCC or the UNC5 homologues. Netrin function is not limited to the developing CNS midline. Various netrins direct cell and axon migration throughout the embryonic CNS, and in some cases continue to be expressed in the mature nervous system. Furthermore, although initially identified for their ability to guide axons, functional roles for netrins have now been identified outside the nervous system where they influence tissue morphogenesis by directing cell migration and regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion.

Satb2 regulates callosal projection neuron identity in the developing cerebral cortex

Satb2 is a DNA-binding protein that regulates chromatin organization and gene expression. In the developing brain, Satb2 is expressed in cortical neurons that extend axons across the corpus callosum. To assess the role of Satb2 in neurons, we analyzed mice in which the Satb2 locus was disrupted by insertion of a LacZ gene. In mutant mice, beta-galactosidase-labeled axons are absent from the corpus callosum and instead descend along the corticospinal tract. Satb2 mutant neurons acquire expression of Ctip2, a transcription factor that is necessary and sufficient for the extension of subcortical projections by cortical neurons. Conversely, ectopic expression of Satb2 in neural stem cells markedly decreases Ctip2 expression. Finally, we find that Satb2 binds directly to regulatory regions of Ctip2 and induces changes in chromatin structure. These data suggest that Satb2 functions as a repressor of Ctip2 and regulatory determinant of corticocortical connections in the developing cerebral cortex.

Netrin-1 receptor-deficient mice show enhanced mesocortical dopamine transmission and blunted behavioural responses to amphetamine

The mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system is implicated in neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia but it is unknown how disruptions in brain development modify this system and increase predisposition to cognitive and behavioural abnormalities in adulthood. Netrins are guidance cues involved in the proper organization of neuronal connectivity during development. We have hypothesized that variations in the function of DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer), a netrin-1 receptor highly expressed by DA neurones, may result in altered development and organization of mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, and influence DA function in the adult. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of reduced DCC on several indicators of DA function. Using in-vivo microdialysis, we showed that adult mice that develop with reduced DCC display increased basal DA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and exaggerated DA release in response to the indirect DA agonist amphetamine. In contrast, these mice exhibit normal levels of DA in the nucleus accumbens but significantly blunted amphetamine-induced DA release. Concomitantly, using conditioned place preference, locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition paradigms, we found that reduced DCC diminishes the rewarding and behavioural-activating effects of amphetamine and protects against amphetamine-induced deficits in sensorimotor gating. Furthermore, we found that adult DCC-deficient mice exhibit altered dendritic spine density in layer V medial prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurones but not in nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurones. These findings demonstrate that reduced DCC during development results in a behavioural phenotype opposite to that observed in developmental models of schizophrenia and identify DCC as a critical factor in the development of DA function.

Spatial learning and expression of neural cell adhesion molecule L1 in rats X-irradiated prenatally

The present study was designed to present evidence to clarify the relationships between learning ability, neuronal cell adhesion molecule L1 expression and hippocampal structural changes in the rat model received X-irradiation at an embryonic stage (E15). Water maze task indicated that all of the irradiated rats failed to learn the task in the whole training procedure. Their latency to the platform and swimming distance were significant differences from those sham-treated controls. Histological studies showed that the hippocampal ectopias induced by X-rays in the CA1 were involved in the spatial learning impairment, in which they hampered normal processes in learning development and transmission of information. Number, size and positions of the ectopias in the dorsal parts of the hippocampus were confirmed to be related to degrees of spatial learning impairment. On the other hand, L1 expression in the hippocampus was examined with Western blot analysis. The results indicated a lower content of L1 in the irradiated rats. A decrease in L1 might be one of reasons to cause disorganization of the septohippocampal pathways. These findings suggest some mechanisms of spatial learning impairment can be attributed to the formation of the hippocampal ectopias and redaction of L1 following prenatal exposure to X-irradiation.

Molecular guidance cues necessary for axon pathfinding from the ventral cochlear nucleus

During development, multiple guidance cues direct the formation of appropriate synaptic connections. Factors that guide developing axons are known for various pathways throughout the mammalian brain; however, signals necessary to establish auditory connections are largely unknown. In the auditory brainstem the neurons whose axons traverse the midline in the ventral acoustic stria (VAS) are primarily located in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) and project bilaterally to the superior olivary complex (SOC). The circumferential trajectory taken by developing VCN axons is similar to that of growing axons of spinal commissural neurons. Therefore, we reasoned that netrin-DCC and slit-robo signaling systems function in the guidance of VCN axons. VCN neurons express the transcription factor, mafB, as early as embryonic day (E) 13.5, thereby identifying the embryonic VCN for these studies. VCN axons extend toward the midline as early as E13, with many axons crossing by E14.5. During this time, netrin-1 and slit-1 RNAs are expressed at the brainstem midline. Additionally, neurons within the VCN express RNA for DCC, robo-1, and robo-2, and axons in the VAS are immunoreactive for DCC. VCN axons do not reach the midline of the brainstem in mice mutant for either the netrin-1 or DCC gene. VCN axons extend in pups lacking netrin-1, but most DCC-mutant samples lack VCN axonal outgrowth. Stereological cell estimates indicate only a modest reduction of VCN neurons in DCC-mutant mice. Taken together, these data show that a functional netrin-DCC signaling system is required for establishing proper VCN axonal projections in the auditory brainstem.

Interactions between Plexin-A2, Plexin-A4, and Semaphorin 6A Control Lamina-Restricted Projection of Hippocampal Mossy Fibers

Hippocampal mossy fibers project preferentially to the stratum lucidum, the proximal-most lamina of the suprapyramidal region of CA3. The molecular mechanisms that govern this lamina-restricted projection are still unknown. We examined the projection pattern of mossy fibers in mutant mice for semaphorin receptors plexin-A2 and plexin-A4, and their ligand, the transmembrane semaphorin Sema6A. We found that plexin-A2 deficiency causes a shift of mossy fibers from the suprapyramidal region to the infra- and intrapyramidal regions, while plexin-A4 deficiency induces inappropriate spreading of mossy fibers within CA3. We also report that the plexin-A2 loss-of-function phenotype is genetically suppressed by Sema6A loss of function. Based on these results, we propose a model for the lamina-restricted projection of mossy fibers: the expression of plexin-A4 on mossy fibers prevents them from entering the Sema6A-expressing suprapyramidal region of CA3 and restricts them to the proximal-most part, where Sema6A repulsive activity is attenuated by plexin-A2.

Netrin1 exerts a chemorepulsive effect on migrating cerebellar interneurons in a Dcc-independent way

Few studies have addressed the issue of how GABAergic interneurons in the cerebellar cortex migrate or what guidance cues steer them. Recent data show that their development starts at the cerebellar germinal epithelium on top of the fourth ventricle. These interneurons continue to proliferate in the postnatal cerebellar white matter and later migrate to their final position in the cerebellar cortex. Here we report the chemorepulsive action of Netrin1 on postnatal cerebellar interneurons in vitro and also show the expression pattern of Netrin1 and its receptors Dcc and Unc5. Our expression results further suggest that Netrin1 is involved in the migration of GABAergic interneurons in vivo. Moreover, our data point to Bergmann glial fibers as possible tracks for these cells en route to the molecular layer. Finally, experiments using blocking antibodies allow us to conclude that Dcc, although expressed by postnatal cerebellar interneurons, is not involved in the repulsive response triggered by Netrin1 in these cells.

Immunohistochemical and microarray analyses of a mouse model for the smith-lemli-opitz syndrome

The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is a mental retardation/malformation syndrome with behavioral components of autism. It is caused by a deficiency in 3beta-hydroxysteroid-Delta7-reductase (DHCR7), the enzyme required for the terminal enzymatic step of cholesterol biosynthesis. The availability of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome mouse models has made it possible to investigate the genesis of the malformations associated with this syndrome. Dhcr7 gene modification (Dhcr7-/-) results in neonatal lethality and multiple organ system malformations. Pathology includes cleft palate, pulmonary hypoplasia, cyanosis, impaired cortical response to glutamate, and hypermorphic development of hindbrain serotonergic neurons. For the current study, hindbrain regions microdissected from gestational day 14 Dhcr7-/-, Dhcr7+/- and Dhcr7+/+ fetuses were processed for expression profiling analyses using Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays and filtered using statistical significance (S-score) of change in gene expression. Of the 12,000 genes analyzed, 91 were upregulated and 98 were downregulated in the Dhcr7-/- hindbrains when compared to wild-type animals. Fewer affected genes, representing a reduced affect on these pathways, were identified in heterozygous animals. Hierarchical clustering identified altered expression of genes associated with cholesterol homeostasis, cell cycle control and apoptosis, neurodifferentiation and embryogenesis, transcription and translation, cellular transport, neurodegeneration, and neuronal cytoskeleton. Of particular interest, Dhcr7 gene modification elicited dynamic changes in genes involved in axonal guidance. In support of the microarray findings, immunohistochemical analyses of the netrin/deleted in colorectal cancer axon guidance pathway illustrated midline commissural deficiencies and hippocampal pathfinding errors in Dhcr7-/- mice. The results of these studies aid in providing insight into the genesis of human cholesterol-related birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders and highlight specific areas for future investigation.

Ephrin-A5 modulates the topographic mapping and connectivity of commissural axons in murine hippocampus

Entorhinal and commissural/associational projections show a non-overlapping distribution in the hippocampus proper and the dentate gyrus. The expression of Ephrins and their Eph receptors in the developing hippocampus indicates that this family of axonal guidance molecules may modulate the formation of these connections. Here we focused on the role of the ephrin-A5 ligand in the development of the main hippocampal afferents. In situ hybridization showed that ephrin-A5 mRNA was detected mainly in the principal cells of the hippocampus proper and in the dentate gyrus throughout postnatal development. Immunocytochemical analyses revealed prominent expression of the EphA3 receptor, a putative receptor for ephrin-A5, in the main cells and the neuropil of the developing hippocampus. Tracing experiments in ephrin-A5(-/-) mice showed that commissural projections were transiently altered in the hippocampus proper at P5, but they were mistargeted throughout the postnatal development in the dentate gyrus. Immunocytochemistry with anti-calbindin antibodies revealed that the dentate mossy fiber projection was not altered in ephrin-A5(-/-) mice. Electron microscopy studies showed alterations in the density of synapses and spines in commissural/associational layers, but not in entorhinal layers, and in the mossy fibers in these animals. Taken together, these findings indicate that ephrin-A5 signaling is involved in the formation and maturation of synapses in the hippocampus.

Maternal dietary choline availability alters the balance of netrin-1 and DCC neuronal migration proteins in fetal mouse brain hippocampus

Alterations in maternal dietary choline availability during days 12-17 of pregnancy led to an increase in the level of immunoreactive netrin-1 and a decrease in the level of DCC protein in the developing fetal mouse brain hippocampus compared with controls. Changes in the expression of cell migration cues during development could account for some of the lifelong consequences of maternal dietary choline availability for cognitive and memory processes.

Interaction of Hemojuvelin with Neogenin Results in Iron Accumulation in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 Cells

Type 2 hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) or juvenile hemochromatosis is an early onset, genetically heterogeneous, autosomal recessive disorder of iron overload. Type 2A HH is caused by mutations in the recently cloned hemojuvelin gene (HJV; also called HFE2) (Papanikolaou, G., Samuels, M. E., Ludwig, E. H., MacDonald, M. L., Franchini, P. L., Dube, M. P., Andres, L., MacFarlane, J., Sakellaropoulos, N., Politou, M., Nemeth, E., Thompson, J., Risler, J. K., Zaborowska, C., Babakaiff, R., Radomski, C. C., Pape, T. D., Davidas, O., Christakis, J., Brissot, P., Lockitch, G., Ganz, T., Hayden, M. R., and Goldberg, Y. P. (2004) Nat. Genet. 36, 77-82), whereas Type 2B HH is caused by mutations in hepcidin. HJV is highly expressed in both skeletal muscle and liver. Mutations in HJV are implicated in the majority of diagnosed juvenile hemochromatosis patients. In this study, we stably transfected HJV cDNA into human embryonic kidney 293 cells and characterized the processing of HJV and its effect on iron homeostasis. Our results indicate that HJV is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked protein and undergoes a partial autocatalytic cleavage during its intracellular processing. HJV co-immunoprecipitated with neogenin, a receptor involved in a variety of cellular signaling processes. It did not interact with the closely related receptor DCC (deleted in Colon Cancer). In addition, the HJV G320V mutant implicated in Type 2A HH did not co-immunoprecipitate with neogenin. Immunoblot analysis of ferritin levels and transferrin-55Fe accumulation studies indicated that the HJV-induced increase in intracellular iron levels in human embryonic kidney 293 cells is dependent on the presence of neogenin in the cells, thus linking these two proteins to intracellular iron homeostasis.

Netrin-1 and slit-2 regulate and direct neurite growth of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons

We investigated the roles of netrin-1 and slit-2 in regulation and navigation of dopamine (DA) axon growth using an explant culture preparation of embryonic ventral midbrain (embryonic day 14) and a co-culture system. We found that netrin-1 protein significantly enhanced DA axonal outgrowth and promoted DA axonal outgrowth in a co-culture system of netrin-1 expressing cells. Such effects were mediated by the receptor DCC as demonstrated by antibody perturbation of the DCC receptor. In contrast, slit-2 inhibited DA neuron extensions and repelled DA neurite growth. These slit-2 activities required robo receptors since the reduced neurite extension was abolished by addition of excess robo receptors. In this system, netrin-1 stimulated and slit-2 opposed DA neurite growth. Such regulation may be important for DA axonal maintenance, regeneration, and phenotypic target recognition.

Role of class 3 semaphorins in the development and maturation of the septohippocampal pathway

In examining the role of Class 3 secreted semaphorins in the prenatal and postnatal development of the septohippocampal pathway, we found that embryonic (E14-E16) septal axons were repelled by the cingulate cortex and the striatum. We also found that the hippocampus exerts chemorepulsion on dorsolateral septal fibers, but not on fibers arising in the medial septum/diagonal band complex, which is the source of septohippocampal axons. These data indicate that endogenous chemorepellents prevent the growth of septal axons in nonappropriate brain areas and direct septohippocampal fibers to the target hippocampus. The embryonic septum expressed np-1 and np-2 mRNAs, and the striatum and cerebral cortex expressed sema 3A and sema 3F. Experiments with recombinant semaphorins showed that Sema 3A and 3F, but not Sema 3C or 3E, induce chemorepulsion of septal axons. Sema 3A and 3F also induce growth cone collapse of septal axons. This indicates that these factors are endogenous cues for the early guidance of septohippocampal fibers, including cholinergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic axons, during the embryonic stages. During postnatal stages, when target cell selection and synaptogenesis take place, np-1 and np-2 were expressed by septohippocampal neurons at all ages tested. In the target hippocampus, pyramidal and granule cells expressed sema 3E and sema 3A, whereas most interneurons expressed sema 3C, but few expressed sema 3E or 3A. Combined tracing and expression studies showed that GABAergic septohippocampal fibers terminated preferentially onto sema 3C-positive interneurons. In contrast, cholinergic septohippocampal fibers terminated onto sema 3E and sema 3A-expressing pyramidal and granule cells. The data suggest that Class 3 secreted semaphorins are involved in postnatal development. Moreover, because GABAergic and cholinergic axons terminate onto neurons expressing distinct, but overlapping, patterns of semaphorin expression, semaphorin functions may be regulated by different signaling mechanisms at postnatal stages.

Functions of ephrin/Eph interactions in the development of the nervous system: emphasis on the hippocampal system

Ephrins and their Eph receptors are membrane-anchored proteins that have key roles in the development of the Central Nervous System. The main characteristics of ephrin/Eph interactions are that their effect is mediated by cell-to-cell contacts and that they can propagate bidirectional signals downstream of the ligand-receptor complex. These characteristics make ephrins and Eph receptors critical cues in the regulation of migrating cells or axons, and in the establishment of tissue patterns and topographic maps in distinct regions of the developing brain. In addition, ephrins and Eph receptors regulate synapse formation and plasticity. These roles would be promoted by complementary gradual expression of receptors and ligands in the neurons involved. Although, historically, ephrins and Eph receptors have been considered as repulsion signals through barriers or gradients, new evidence indicates that they may be both inhibitory and permissive/active cues depending on expression levels. The expression of distinct ligands and receptors in the developing and mature hippocampus suggests that these proteins are involved in distinct processes during the development and maturation of the hippocampal region. In fact, recent studies have shown that ephrin/Eph signaling participates in the formation of the layer-specific patterns of hippocampal afferents, in synaptogenesis and in plasticity. Therefore, ephrin/Eph interactions should be considered a crucial system in the development and maturation of the brain regions, including the hippocampus.

The Netrin family of guidance factors: emphasis on Netrin-1 signalling

During the development of the nervous system, neurons respond to the coordinated action of a variety of attractive and repulsive signals from the embryonic environment. Netrins form a family of extracellular proteins that regulate the migration of neurons and axonal growth cones. These proteins are bifunctional signals that are chemoattractive for some neurons and chemorepellent for others. Netrins mainly interact with the specific receptors DCC and UNC-5 family. To date, several Netrins have been described in mouse and humans: Netrin-1, -3/NTL2, -4/beta and G-Netrins. Netrin-1 is the most studied member of the family. It is involved in the development many projections of the nervous system. When Netrin-1 interacts with its specific receptors, a cascade of local cytoplasmic events is triggered. Several signal transduction pathways and effector molecules have been implicated in the response to Netrin-1: small Rho-GTPases, MAP-Kinases, second messengers and the Microtubule Associated Protein 1B (MAP1B).

Cellular and molecular tunnels surrounding the forebrain commissures of human fetuses

Glial cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules surround developing fiber tracts and are implicated in axonal pathfinding. These and other molecules are produced by these strategically located glial cells and have been shown to influence axonal growth across the midline in rodents. We searched for similar cellular and molecular structures surrounding the telencephalic commissures of fetal human brains. Paraffin-embedded brain sections were immunostained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin (VN) to identify glial cells; for microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) to document neurons; for neurofilament (NF) to identify axons; and for chondroitin sulfate (CS), tenascin (TN), and fibronectin (FN) to show the ECM. As in rodents, three cellular clusters surrounding the corpus callosum were identified by their expression of GFAP and VN (but not MAP-2 or NeuN) from 13 to at least 18 weeks postovulation (wpo): the glial wedge, the glia of the indusium griseum, and the midline sling. CS and TN (but not FN) were expressed pericellularly in these cell groups. The anterior commissure was surrounded by a GFAP+/VN+ glial tunnel from 12 wpo, with TN expression seen between the GFAP+ cell bodies. The fimbria showed GFAP+/VN+ cells at its lateral and medial borders from 12 wpo, with pericellular expression of CS. The fornix showed GFAP+ cells somewhat later (16 wpo). Because these structures are similar to those described for rodents, we concluded that the axon guiding mechanisms postulated for commissural formation in nonhuman mammals may also be operant in the developing human brain.

Developmental shift in expression of netrin receptors in the rat spinal cord: predominance of UNC-5 homologues in adulthood

Netrins are a family of secreted proteins required for normal neural development. Netrin-1 is expressed at similar levels in the adult rat spinal cord and the embryonic CNS, suggesting that it contributes to adult CNS function. Here we show that the netrin receptors dcc, neogenin, unc5h1, unc5h2, and unc5h3 are also expressed in the adult rat spinal cord. Lower levels of DCC and neogenin were detected in the adult relative to the embryonic CNS. Conversely, the adult spinal cord contains increased levels of UNC-5 homologues in comparison with the embryo. Multiple mRNA transcripts detected by Northern blot analysis suggested that netrin receptors might be encoded by alternatively spliced mRNAs. We have identified a novel alternatively spliced mRNA encoding UNC5H1, UNC5H1(Delta)TSP1, which lacks the first of the two extracellular thrombospondin domains. This novel splice variant is the major transcript detected in the early embryonic CNS, although both splice variants are expressed in the adult. Previously identified alternatively spliced mRNAs encoding DCC and neogenin were also detected. Dcc, neogenin, unc5h1, unc5h2, and unc5h3 are expressed by subsets of neurons. Robust expression of unc5h2 was found in glia. These findings suggest that unc-5 homologues constitute a major mode of netrin-1 signal transduction in the adult spinal cord and may be involved in phenomena analogous to axon repulsion, such as inhibiting process extension and collateral sprouting.

The netrin receptor UNC5B mediates guidance events controlling morphogenesis of the vascular system

Blood vessels and nerves are complex, branched structures that share a high degree of anatomical similarity. Guidance of vessels and nerves has to be exquisitely regulated to ensure proper wiring of both systems. Several regulators of axon guidance have been identified and some of these are also expressed in endothelial cells; however, the extent to which their guidance functions are conserved in the vascular system is still incompletely understood. We show here that the repulsive netrin receptor UNC5B is expressed by endothelial tip cells of the vascular system. Disruption of the Unc5b gene in mice, or of Unc5b or netrin-1a in zebrafish, leads to aberrant extension of endothelial tip cell filopodia, excessive vessel branching and abnormal navigation. Netrin-1 causes endothelial filopodial retraction, but only when UNC5B is present. Thus, UNC5B functions as a repulsive netrin receptor in endothelial cells controlling morphogenesis of the vascular system.

MAP1B is required for Netrin 1 signaling in neuronal migration and axonal guidance

BACKGROUND

The signaling cascades governing neuronal migration and axonal guidance link extracellular signals to cytoskeletal components. MAP1B is a neuron-specific microtubule-associated protein implicated in the crosstalk between microtubules and actin filaments.

RESULTS

Here we show that Netrin 1 regulates, both in vivo and in vitro, mode I MAP1B phosphorylation, which controls MAP1B activity, in a signaling pathway that depends essentially on the kinases GSK3 and CDK5. We also show that map1B-deficient neurons from the lower rhombic lip and other brain regions have reduced chemoattractive responses to Netrin 1 in vitro. Furthermore, map1B mutant mice have severe abnormalities, similar to those described in netrin 1-deficient mice, in axonal tracts and in the pontine nuclei.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that MAP1B phosphorylation is controlled by Netrin 1 and that the lack of MAP1B impairs Netrin 1-mediated chemoattraction in vitro and in vivo. Thus, MAP1B may be a downstream effector in the Netrin 1-signaling pathway.

The GABAergic septohippocampal pathway in control and reeler mice: target specificity and termination onto Reelin-expressing interneurons

The septohippocampal pathway contains two separate components: the cholinergic and the GABAergic. Whereas cholinergic fibers terminate on many hippocampal cell types, GABAergic septohippocampal fibers selectively contact the cell bodies of hippocampal interneurons. We examined whether the GABAergic septohippocampal system was altered in reeler mice. First, we found that both components of the septohippocampal pathway in mice present a distribution and target-cell specificity similar to that described in rats. We also show that GABAergic septohippocampal axons terminate on subpopulations of interneurons expressing reelin, which may implicate this extracellular matrix protein in the targeting of septohippocampal axons. We thus examined the septohippocampal pathway in reeler mice defective in Reelin. In contrast to wild-type animals, reeler mice displayed an ectopic location of both cholinergic and GABAergic fibers, which accumulate close to the hippocampal fissure. Despite their altered distribution, GABAergic septal axons maintain their target-cell selectivity innervating exclusively the perisomatic region of hippocampal interneurons. Thus, as in wild type, GABAergic septal fibers formed complex baskets around the cell body of GAD-positive hippocampal neurons in reeler mice. In addition, we found that reeler hippocampi have an altered distribution of hippocampal interneurons expressing PARV or CALB, many of which are located close to the hippocampal fissure. We thus conclude that although reeler mice have an altered distribution of hippocampal interneurons, GABAergic septohippocampal axons nevertheless terminate on their specific target interneurons. Thus, whereas target layer termination of septal fibers is severely impaired in reeler mice, our data indicate that the cell-specific targeting of GABAergic septohippocampal axons is governed by Reelin-independent signals.

Netrin‐1 is crucial for the establishment of the dorsal column‐medial lemniscal system

The dorsal column-medial lemniscal system is a significant sensory pathway that mediates touch and limb position sense. In this system, axons from the second-order neurons in the dorsal column nuclei form the internal arcuate fibers, cross the ventral midline (floor plate) within the medulla oblongata, and then project to the thalamus as the medial lemniscus. Here we demonstrate that Netrin-1, which is secreted from the floor plate in the medulla oblongata, is indispensable to the formation of the dorsal column-medial lemniscal system. Axons from the dorsal column nuclei cross the midline at around embryonic day 11 in mice. Concurrently, Netrin-1 mRNA and its receptor DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer) were expressed in the floor plate and commissural axons there, respectively. In our explant culture experiments, the floor plates of the embryonic 11-day-old mutant Netrin-1 homozygous mice did not attract axons from the dorsal column nuclei of ICR mice, while those from the wild type littermates did. Moreover, we observed that although the dorsal column nuclei developed in situ in mutant mice, their axons were not attracted toward the floor plate: they did not cross midline and remained ipsilaterally, without forming the internal arcuate fibers, in embryonic 17-day-old mutant Netrin-1 homozygous mice.

Coordinated functions of Netrin-1 and Class 3 secreted Semaphorins in the guidance of reciprocal septohippocampal connections

An essential characteristic of the CNS function is the formation of reciprocal connections between brain areas. Although the mechanisms controlling the establishment of neuronal connections are being determined, very little is known about the development of reciprocal connections, which often course along identical pathways. Here, we show that Netrin-1, expressed along the fimbria, chemoattracts both septohippocampal and hippocamposeptal fibers. Moreover, we show that both Semaphorins 3A and 3F expressed in regions nearby the septum prevent the growth of septal axons into these regions. Blocking experiments with recombinant ecto-Neuropilins indicate that both Semaphorins 3A and 3F act cooperatively in the repulsion of septal axons. Furthermore, netrin-1-deficient mice develop a reduced septohippocampal projection. We conclude that the coordinated actions of Netrin-1 and Semaphorins 3A and 3F cooperate in the development of septohippocampal and hippocamposeptal connections, indicating that the same molecular cues serve the construction of reciprocal connections in both directions of growth.

Identification and localization of multiple classic cadherins in developing rat limbic system

Classic cadherins are multifunctional adhesion proteins that play roles in tissue histogenesis, neural differentiation, neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. Several lines of evidence suggest that classic cadherins may establish regional or laminar recognition cues by virtue of their differential expression and tight, and principally homophilic, cell adhesion. As a first step toward investigating the role this family plays in generating limbic system connectivity, we used RT-PCR to amplify type I and type II classic cadherins present in rat hippocampus during the principal period of synaptogenesis. We identified nine different cadherins, one of which, cadherin-9, is novel in hippocampus. Using in situ hybridization, we compared the cellular and regional distribution of five of the cadherins (N, 6, 8, 9 and 10) during the first two postnatal weeks in hippocampus, subiculum, entorhinal cortex, cingulate cortex, anterior thalamus, hypothalamus and amygdala. We find that each cadherin is differentially distributed in distinct, but highly overlapping fields that largely correspond to known anatomical boundaries and are often coordinately expressed in interconnected regions. For example, cadherin-6 expression defines CA1 and its principal target, the subiculum; cadherin-10 is differentially expressed in CA1 and CA3 in a manner correlating with the organization of interconnecting Schaffer collateral axons; and cadherin-9 shows a striking concentration in CA3. Some cadherin mRNAs are highly restricted to particular anatomical fields over the entire time course, while others are more broadly expressed and become concentrated within particular domains coincident with the timing of afferent ingrowth. Our data indicate that classic cadherins are sufficiently diverse and differentially distributed to support a role in cell surface recognition and adhesion during the formation of limbic system connectivity.

Temporal and spatial regulation of chondroitin sulfate, radial glial cells, growing commissural axons, and other hippocampal efferents in developing hamsters

We investigated the time and space relationship between growth of hippocampal efferents, particularly those forming the hippocampal commissure, and expression of extracellular matrix components related to radial glial cells. Developing hamster brains from embryonic day (E) 13 to postnatal day (P) 7 had 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) crystals implanted into the hippocampus or were processed for fluorescent immunohistochemistry against chondroitin sulfate (CS) glycosaminoglycans and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The first, pioneer fibers from the hippocampus were seen crossing the midline at E15 and arriving at the contralateral hippocampus 24-48 hours later (P1), followed closely by a thick front of growing fibers. Before E15, CS expression was preceded by septal fusion and was concomitant with formation of the commissural tract. On E15, CS expression formed a U-shaped border below the fimbria. From E15 to P3, CS became expressed between the hippocampal commissure and the third ventricle and at the caudal borders of the fornix columns. As the hippocampal commissure expanded, CS expression became gradually lighter to virtually disappear by P7. On E15 and P1, GFAP-positive radial glial cells were present caudal (but not rostral) to the commissure at the midline, partially overlapping CS expression. Similar cells were present dorsal to the fimbria, extending their processes perpendicularly over the growing axons. The data reveal that CS and radial glial cells form a tunnel surrounding the developing fimbria and a border at the midline caudal to the hippocampal commissure. It is suggested that these cellular and molecular borders play a role in guidance of hippocampal efferents.

Misguided axonal projections, neural cell adhesion molecule 180 mRNA upregulation, and altered behavior in mice deficient for the close homolog of L1

Cell recognition molecules are involved in nervous system development and participate in synaptic plasticity in the adult brain. The close homolog of L1 (CHL1), a recently identified member of the L1 family of cell adhesion molecules, is expressed by neurons and glia in the central nervous system and by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system in a pattern overlapping, but distinct from, the other members of the L1 family. In humans, CHL1 (also referred to as CALL) is a candidate gene for 3p- syndrome-associated mental impairment. In the present study, we generated and analyzed CHL1-deficient mice. At the morphological level, these mice showed alterations of hippocampal mossy fiber organization and of olfactory axon projections. Expression of the mRNA of the synapse-specific neural cell adhesion molecule 180 isoform was upregulated in adult CHL1-deficient mice, but the mRNA levels of several other recognition molecules were not changed. The behavior of CHL1-deficient mice in the open field, the elevated plus maze, and the Morris water maze indicated that the mutant animals reacted differently to their environment. Our data show that the permanent absence of CHL1 results in misguided axonal projections and aberrant axonal connectivity and alters the exploratory behavior in novel environments, suggesting deficits in information processing in CHL1-deficient mice.

The chemokine SDF1 regulates migration of dentate granule cells

The dentate gyrus is the primary afferent pathway into the hippocampus, but there is little information concerning the molecular influences that govern its formation. In particular, the control of migration and cell positioning of dentate granule cells is not clear. We have characterized more fully the timing and route of granule cell migration during embryogenesis using in utero retroviral injections. Using this information, we developed an in vitro assay that faithfully recapitulates important events in dentate gyrus morphogenesis. In searching for candidate ligands that may regulate dentate granule cell migration, we found that SDF1, a chemokine that regulates cerebellar and leukocyte migration, and its receptor CXCR4 are expressed in patterns that suggest a role in dentate granule cell migration. Furthermore, CXCR4 mutant mice have a defect in granule cell position. Ectopic expression of SDF1 in our explant assay showed that it directly regulates dentate granule cell migration. Our study shows that a chemokine is necessary for the normal development of the dentate gyrus, a forebrain structure crucial for learning and memory.

Involvement of Cajal-Retzius cells in robust and layer-specific regeneration of the entorhino-hippocampal pathways

Severed adult CNS axons can extend over long distances when a permissive 'milieu', such as grafted Schwann cells or ensheathing cells, is provided. Moreover, functional blocking of endogenous inhibitory factors, such as Nogo-A or proteoglycans, enhances the regeneration of axotomized neurons. Here we examine whether guidance cues available during the development of axonal pathways could also potentiate the regeneration of lesioned adult circuits. The Cajal-Retzius cells in the hippocampus are transient pioneer neurons that guide entorhino-hippocampal afferents to their target layers. By using an in vitro model of axotomy of the entorhino-hippocampal pathway we show that Cajal-Retzius cells triggered the regeneration of the axotomized entorhino-hippocampal pathway. Furthermore, the regrowth induced by Cajal-Retzius cells was robust and its pattern was indistinguishable from that of the unlesioned entorhino-hippocampal pathway. Thus, regenerating axons regrew in a layer-specific fashion towards the appropriate target layers, making synaptic contacts with target pyramidal neurons. Interestingly, the ability of lesioned entorhinal axons to regrow was maintained for at least 9 days after axotomy. These results show that the growth-promoting cells controlling the development of neural circuits will be a relevant approach to promoting the regeneration of lesioned adult CNS pathways.

Plexin-A3 mediates semaphorin signaling and regulates the development of hippocampal axonal projections

Plexins are receptors implicated in mediating signaling by semaphorins, a family of axonal chemorepellents. The role of specific plexins in mediating semaphorin function in vivo has not, however, yet been examined in vertebrates. Here, we show that plexin-A3 is the most ubiquitously expressed plexin family member within regions of the developing mammalian nervous system known to contain semaphorin-responsive neurons. Using a chimeric receptor construct, we provide evidence that plexin-A3 can transduce a repulsive signal in growth cones in vitro. Analysis of plexin-A3 knockout mice shows that plexin-A3 contributes to Sema3F and Sema3A signaling and that plexin-A3 regulates the development of hippocampal axonal projections in vivo.

Age-dependent effects of secreted Semaphorins 3A, 3F, and 3E on developing hippocampal axons: in vitro effects and phenotype of Semaphorin 3A (-/-) mice

We studied the role of Semaphorins in the formation of hippocampal connections at embryonic and early postnatal stages. We show that the embryonic entorhinal cortex has a repulsive effect on embryonic hippocampal axons that disappears gradually at postnatal stages. Such chemorepulsion is blocked by Neuropilin-1 and -2 blocking antibodies. However, at perinatal stages, the inner layers of the entorhinal cortex attract CA1 axons. At these stages, Sema3A and Sema3F bind commissural and entorhinal axons. Sema3A and Sema3F repel hippocampal axons at E14-P2, but not at E13. A similar spatiotemporal pattern of chemorepulsion is observed for Sema3A on entorhinal axons, in contrast to Sema3F, which repels these axons only at postnatal ages. Sema3E also repels hippocampal axons but exclusively at E14. We show that Sema3A and Sema3F can induce the collapse of hippocampal growth cones and that membrane-bound Sema3A and Sema3F can guide hippocampal axons in the stripe assay. In sema3A (-/-) mice, the entorhinohippocampal projection is largely normal although single axons innervate aberrantly the stratum radiatum and the hilus. Thus, the chemorepulsion evoked by Sema3A, Sema3E, and Sema3F is dynamically regulated in the developing hippocampal formation.