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Published on: March 18, 2016
ETS transcription factor ER81 is required for the Pacinian corpuscle development
1Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U nemocnice 3, 128-00 Prague, Czech Republic.
Summary
The transcription factor ER81 is essential for developing Pacinian corpuscles, a type of mechanoreceptor. Without ER81, these sensory structures and their associated nerve fibers fail to form or survive.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- ER81 (ETS family transcription factor) plays roles in neuronal identity and muscle spindle development.
- ER81 expression is observed in the inner core cells of Pacinian corpuscles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ER81 in the development of Pacinian corpuscles, a class of mechanoreceptors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Er81 null mice and Er81(+/lacZ) mutants.
- Embryonic analysis at E16.5.
- Assessment of Pacinian corpuscle and afferent nerve fiber presence.
- Evaluation of calretinin-expressing dorsal root ganglia neurons.
Main Results:
- Er81 null mice lack Pacinian corpuscles and their afferent nerve fibers at birth.
- Embryonic analysis revealed absence of corpuscles but presence of afferents at E16.5.
- Deficiency in calretinin-positive neurons correlated with the absence of corpuscles and afferents.
Conclusions:
- ER81 is required for the proper assembly of Pacinian corpuscles.
- ER81 is crucial for the survival of sensory neurons innervating Pacinian corpuscles.
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