WNT-3, expressed by motoneurons, regulates terminal arborization of neurotrophin-3-responsive spinal sensory neurons - PubMed (original) (raw)
WNT-3, expressed by motoneurons, regulates terminal arborization of neurotrophin-3-responsive spinal sensory neurons
Olga Krylova et al. Neuron. 2002.
Free article
Abstract
Sensory axons from dorsal root ganglia neurons are guided to spinal targets by molecules differentially expressed along the dorso-ventral axis of the neural tube. NT-3-responsive muscle afferents project ventrally, cease extending, and branch upon contact with motoneurons (MNs), their synaptic partners. We have identified WNT-3 as a candidate molecule that regulates this process. Wnt-3 is expressed by MNs of the lateral motor column at the time when MNs form synapses with sensory neurons. WNT-3 increases branching and growth cone size while inhibiting axonal extension in NT-3- but not NGF-responsive axons. Ventral spinal cord secretes factors with axonal remodeling activity for NT-3-responsive neurons. This activity is present at limb levels and is blocked by a WNT antagonist. We propose that WNT-3, expressed by MNs, acts as a retrograde signal that controls terminal arborization of muscle afferents.
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