The sympathetic nervous system in development and disease.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is crucial for 'fight or flight' responses and maintaining homeostasis during physiological activities like exercise and temperature regulation.
• Proper functioning of the SNS relies on precise connections between sympathetic neurons and peripheral organs, established during embryonic and early postnatal development.
• Understanding the development of these neuronal connections is vital for comprehending SNS regulation of bodily functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on signaling pathways governing the development of the sympathetic nervous system.
• To highlight recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular diversity of sympathetic neurons.
• To explore the implications of developmental perturbations in the SNS for various disorders.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes findings from mechanistic studies on sympathetic neuron development.
• It integrates research on axon growth, target innervation, neuron survival, and synapse formation.
• The review also incorporates recent progress in identifying cellular and molecular diversity within sympathetic neurons.

Main Results:

• Mechanistic studies have elucidated how interactions with peripheral tissues shape sympathetic neuron development.
• Key events include axon growth, target innervation, neuron survival, dendrite growth, and synapse formation.
• Research has identified mechanisms establishing cellular and molecular diversity in sympathetic neurons to meet organ-specific demands.

Conclusions:

• Signaling pathways underlying sympathetic nervous system development are increasingly understood.
• Developmental processes are critical for establishing functional sympathetic innervation.
• Dysfunction in SNS development may contribute to the pathophysiology of peripheral neuropathies, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders.