Etv4 regulates nociception by controlling peptidergic sensory neuron development and peripheral tissue innervation
Antonella S Ríos1, Ana Paula De Vincenti2, Mailin Casadei3
1Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1405 BWE, Argentina.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|July 29, 2022
Summary
The study reveals that Etv4 is crucial for sensory neuron development and function. Ablating Etv4 impairs nerve growth and reduces sensitivity to pain, highlighting its role in nociception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Nociceptive sensory neurons detect harmful stimuli, preventing tissue damage.
- Etv4, a transcription factor, is present in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) nociceptors during embryonic development but its function is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the physiological role of Etv4 in the development and function of nociceptive sensory neurons.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Etv4 influences neuronal growth and pain perception.
Main Methods:
- Studied Etv4 function through gene ablation in mice (Etv4-null).
- Examined peripheral projections and sensory neuron cultures in response to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
- Analyzed gene expression related to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and TRPV1 channel.
Main Results:
- Etv4 ablation caused defects in peripheral peptidergic projections and sensory neuron axonal growth.
- NGF signaling regulates Etv4-dependent gene expression involved in ECM remodeling.
- Etv4-null mice exhibited reduced sensitivity to heat and chemical pain, linked to decreased TRPV1 expression.
Conclusions:
- Etv4 is essential for the proper innervation and function of peptidergic sensory neurons.
- Etv4 regulates a gene expression program critical for axonal growth and pain transduction, involving ECM remodeling and TRPV1.
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