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Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Tissue Preparation and Immunostaining of Mouse Sensory Nerve Fibers Innervating Skin and Limb Bones
Published on: January 26, 2012
Synapses form in skeletal muscles lacking neuregulin receptors
P Escher1, E Lacazette, M Courtet
1Institute of Physiology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is directed by reciprocal interactions between motor neurons and muscle fibers. Neuregulin (NRG) and Agrin from motor nerve terminals are both implicated. Here, we demonstrate that NMJs can form in the absence of the NRG receptors ErbB2 and ErbB4 in mouse muscle. Postsynaptic differentiation is, however, induced by Agrin. We therefore conclude that NRG signaling to muscle is not required for NMJ formation. The effects of NRG signaling to muscle may be mediated indirectly through Schwann cells.
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