Birthdate and outgrowth timing predict cellular mechanisms of axon target matching in the developing visual pathway.

ABSTRACT: How axons select their appropriate targets in the brain remains poorly understood. Here, we explore the cellular mechanisms of axon target matching in the developing visual system by comparing four transgenic mouse lines, each with a different population of genetically labeled retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that connect to unique combinations of brain targets. We find that the time when an RGC axon arrives in the brain is correlated with its target selection strategy. Early-born, early-arriving RGC axons initially innervate multiple targets. Subsequently, most of those connections are removed. By contrast, later-born, later-arriving RGC axons are highly accurate in their initial target choices. These data reveal the diversity of cellular mechanisms that mammalian CNS axons use to pick their

SUBMITTER: Osterhout JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4143387 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature