Identification of Novel Spinal Cholinergic Genetic Subtypes Disclose Chodl and Pitx2 as Markers for Fast Motor Neurons and Partition Cells

Summary, in English

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 sub-types of somatic motor neurons. Further, we present evidence that chondrolectin (Chodl) is expressed by fast motor neurons and that estrogen-related receptor beta (ERR beta) is a candidate marker for slow motor neurons. In addition, we suggest paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (Pitx2) as a marker for cholinergic partition cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:2284-2304, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

• Author: Anders Enjin; Nadine Rabe; Stan T. Nakanishi; Anna Vallstedt; Henrik Gezelius; Fatima Memic; Magnus Lind; Tord Hjalt; Warren G. Tourtellotte; Carl Bruder; Gregor Eichele; Patrick J. Whelan; Klas Kullander
• Department/s: Department of Experimental Medical Science
• Publishing year: 2010
• Language: English
• Pages: 2284-2304
• Publication/Series: Journal of Comparative Neurology
• Volume: 518
• Issue: 12
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cne.22332
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
• Topic: Neurology
• Keywords: cord; spinal; motor neuron; interneuron; mouse genetics; neuronal network; genetic screen
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1096-9861