The Drosophila immunoglobulin gene turtle encodes guidance molecules involved in axon pathfinding.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuronal growth cones follow specific pathways over long distances in order to reach their appropriate targets. Research over the past 15 years has yielded a large body of information concerning the molecules that regulate this process. Some of these molecules, such as the evolutionarily conserved netrin and slit proteins, are expressed in the embryonic midline, an area of extreme importance for early axon pathfinding decisions. A general model has emerged in which netrin attracts commissural axons towards the midline while slit forces them out. However, a large number of commissural axons successfully cross the midline even in the complete absence of netrin signaling, indicating the presence of a yet unidentified midline attractant.

Results

The evolutionarily con

SUBMITTER: Al-Anzi B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2739522 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature