Parallel Pbx-Dependent Pathways Govern the Coalescence and Fate of Motor Columns.

ABSTRACT: The clustering of neurons sharing similar functional properties and connectivity is a common organizational feature of vertebrate nervous systems. Within motor networks, spinal motor neurons (MNs) segregate into longitudinally arrayed subtypes, establishing a central somatotopic map of peripheral target innervation. MN organization and connectivity relies on Hox transcription factors expressed along the rostrocaudal axis; however, the developmental mechanisms governing the orderly arrangement of MNs are largely unknown. We show that Pbx genes, which encode Hox cofactors, are essential for the segregation and clustering of neurons within motor columns. In the absence of Pbx1 and Pbx3 function, Hox-dependent programs are lost and the remaining MN subtypes are unclustered and disordered. Iden

SUBMITTER: Hanley O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5017921 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature