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The Purinergic Receptor P2rx3 is Required for Spiral Ganglion Neuron Branch Refinement during Development
Zhirong Wang1, Johnny S Jung1, Talya C Inbar1
1Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007.
Eneuro
|July 18, 2020
Summary
The P2rx3 gene is crucial for refining spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) branching during cochlear development in mice. Loss of P2rx3 leads to altered SGN branching and differentiation, impacting auditory system development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Auditory System Research
Background:
- Mammalian cochlear development involves dynamic growth and innervation.
- Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) refine their branches, with Type I SGNs debranching before synapsing with inner hair cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of P2rx3 in Type I SGN development and branch refinement.
- To characterize the time course of SGN branch refinement.
Main Methods:
- Genetic labeling of individual SGNs in mice using Sox2CreERT2 and R26RtdTomato.
- Analysis of P2rx3 expression in SGNs and hair cells.
- Phenotypic analysis of P2rx3 null mice for SGN branching and subtype distribution.
Main Results:
- P2rx3 is expressed in Type I SGNs and hair cells during SGN branching refinement.
- P2rx3 null mice exhibit more complex SGN branching patterns.
- Loss of P2rx3 results in an increased proportion of Calb2-expressing SGNs, suggesting altered differentiation.
Conclusions:
- P2rx3 plays a significant role in Type I SGN branch refinement during cochlear development.
- P2rx3 is also necessary for normal Type I SGN differentiation.
