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Quantitative PCR-based Assay to Measure Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cellular Model of Ciliogenesis
Published on: January 31, 2025
Sonic hedgehog signaling is required for sympathetic nervous system development
Yuka Morikawa1, Emily Maska, Heather Brody
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118, USA.
Neuroreport
|April 8, 2009
Summary
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is crucial for sympathetic nervous system (SNS) development, impacting ganglia patterning and neuronal differentiation timing. Loss of Shh results in hypoplastic, mispatterned sympathetic ganglia and delayed neuronal development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is vital for nervous system development.
- Its specific role in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of Shh in the development of the sympathetic nervous system.
- To determine the impact of Shh loss on sympathetic ganglia formation, patterning, and neuronal differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Shh null mouse model.
- Examined sympathetic trunk and ganglia formation.
- Assessed neuronal differentiation timing and glial marker expression via immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Shh deficiency did not prevent sympathetic trunk formation but led to hypoplastic and mispatterned ganglia.
- Neuronal differentiation was significantly delayed in Shh mutant embryos.
- Shh is not essential for the differentiation of sympathetic neurons or glia, as indicated by markers like beta3-tubulin, tyrosine hydroxylase, and B-FABP.
Conclusions:
- Shh is required for proper sympathetic nervous system patterning and developmental timing.
- While Shh influences sympathetic ganglia development, it is not indispensable for the initial differentiation of sympathetic neurons or glial cells.
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