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Published on: June 9, 2012
Mouse semaphorin H inhibits neurite outgrowth from sensory neurons
N Miyazaki1, T Furuyama, M Amasaki
1Group of Neurobiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Osaka University Faculty of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Mouse semaphorin H (M-semaH) was structurally similar to semaphorin III/D, a mammalian homologue of collapsin 1 which was identified as a collapsing factor for sensory nerves. In this study we investigated the expression patterns of M-semaH mRNA and the protein binding sites in the trunk of mouse embryos. M-semaH mRNA was expressed in the mesenchymal tissues surrounding each dorsal root ganglia. These tissues include the caudal sclerotome and perinotochordal mesenchyme, which were thought to express factors repulsive to axons. M-semaH binding was detected on the spinal nerves. We further investigated, using in vitro co-culture assay, whether M-semaH acted as a chemorepulsive molecule on sensory axons. The results suggested that M-semaH was a candidate for a chemorepellent expressed in the mesenchyme surrounding the sensory ganglia, which is involved in the axonal guidance mechanism of sensory nerves in the trunk.
Insights
Mouse semaphorin H (M-semaH) is structurally similar to semaphorin III/D. This study suggests M-semaH acts as a chemorepellent involved in sensory nerve guidance in mouse embryos.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Semaphorin III/D, a homolog of collapsin 1, is a known collapsing factor for sensory nerves.
- Mouse semaphorin H (M-semaH) shares structural similarities with semaphorin III/D.
- Understanding axonal guidance mechanisms is crucial for neural development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of M-semaH mRNA and protein binding sites in mouse embryos.
- To determine if M-semaH functions as a chemorepellent for sensory axons.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of M-semaH mRNA expression in embryonic mouse tissues.
- Detection of M-semaH protein binding sites on spinal nerves.
- In vitro co-culture assay to assess M-semaH's effect on sensory axons.
Main Results:
- M-semaH mRNA was found in mesenchymal tissues surrounding dorsal root ganglia, including the caudal sclerotome and perinotochordal mesenchyme.
- M-semaH binding was observed on spinal nerves.
- In vitro assays indicated M-semaH may act as a chemorepellent for sensory axons.
Conclusions:
- M-semaH is expressed in the mesenchyme surrounding sensory ganglia in mouse embryos.
- M-semaH is a potential chemorepellent involved in the axonal guidance of sensory nerves in the trunk.
- These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of neural development.
