Neuron-specific inactivation of Wt1 alters locomotion in mice and changes interneuron composition in the spinal cord.

ABSTRACT: Locomotion is coordinated by neuronal circuits of the spinal cord. Recently, dI6 neurons were shown to participate in the control of locomotion. A subpopulation of dI6 neurons expresses the Wilms tumor suppressor gene Wt1. However, the function of Wt1 in these cells is not understood. Here, we aimed to identify behavioral changes and cellular alterations in the spinal cord associated with Wt1 deletion. Locomotion analyses of mice with neuron-specific Wt1 deletion revealed a slower walk with a decreased stride frequency and an increased stride length. These mice showed changes in their fore-/hindlimb coordination, which were accompanied by a loss of contralateral projections in the spinal cord. Neonates with Wt1 deletion displayed an increase in uncoordinated hin

SUBMITTER: Schnerwitzki D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6238623 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature