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Cellular and molecular determinants of sympathetic neuron development
1Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. nxf@pop.cwru.edu
Annual Review of Neuroscience
|April 15, 1999
Summary
Sympathetic nervous system development involves neural crest cell differentiation, programmed cell death, and synaptic maturation. Recent research clarifies the cellular and molecular mechanisms guiding these crucial stages in rodents.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) originates from neural crest cells.
- SNS development involves distinct stages: precursor differentiation, cell number refinement, and synapse formation.
- Understanding these stages is key to comprehending nervous system development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of sympathetic nervous system development.
- To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing SNS development.
- To focus on events within the peripheral nervous system of rodents.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on sympathetic nervous system development.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Focus on rodent peripheral nervous system models.
Main Results:
- Sympathetic neuron precursors arise from neural crest cells and differentiate into catecholaminergic neurons.
- Neurotrophic factors regulate neuronal precursor and neuron survival during cell death.
- Synaptic connections mature, potentially involving neurotransmitter phenotype alterations.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of sympathetic nervous system development.
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on precursor differentiation, cell survival, and synapse maturation.
- Rodent models provide valuable insights into these developmental processes.