Identification of novel spinal cholinergic genetic subtypes disclose Chodl and Pitx2 as markers for fast motor neurons and partition cells

• Spinal cholinergic neurons are critical for motor function in both the autonomic and somatic nervous systems and are affected in spinal cord injury and in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy. Using two screening approaches and in situ hybridization, we identified 159 genes expressed in typical cholinergic patterns in the spinal cord. These include two general cholinergic neuron markers, one gene exclusively expressed in motor neurons and nine genes expressed in unknown subtypes of somatic motor neurons. Further, we present evidence that Chondrolectin (Chodl) is a novel genetic marker for putative fast motor neurons and that estrogen-related receptor b (ERRb) is a candidate genetic marker for slow motor neurons. In addition, we suggest paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (Pitx2) as a marker for cholinergic partition cells.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Neurologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Neurology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

mouse genetics

neuronal network

interneuron

motor neuron

spinal cord

genetic screen

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Medicinsk utvecklings- och neurobiologi

Developmental Neurosciences

Genetics

Genetik

cord

spinal

motor neuron

interneuron

mouse genetics

neuronal network

genetic screen

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)