The long-term goal of this project is to understand the molecular mechanisms for the formation of sensory maps in the cerebral cortex. Our current focus is to test the hypothesis that reciprocal interactions between the thalamocortical projections and the neocortex are responsible for the formation of area-specific and topographic sensory maps in the neocortex.
In Specific aim 1, we will characterize the spatiotemporal relationship between the thalamocortical projections and the formation of anatomically and molecularly distinct areas, which is a critical first step to test the above hypothesis.
In Specific aim 2, by using conditional gene targeting, we will analyze the roles of thalamocortical projections in establishing area-specific features o the neocortex. SIGNIFICANCE:Studies of the interactions between the thalamocortical axons and the differentiating neocortex have been limited because of the lack of reproducible experimental systems to specifically manipulate either of the components. We will use conditional molecular genetic techniques of the mouse to explore these interactions. This study will provide insight into the pathophysiology of developmental disorders that may involve the thalamocortical system. In addition, a better understanding of the roles of sensory inputs in the development and plasticity of brain circuitry will improve therapeutic interventions to manipulate activity to encourage compensatory changes in both children and adults with brain damage. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS049357-02
Application #
7214061
Study Section
Neurodifferentiation, Plasticity, and Regeneration Study Section (NDPR)
Program Officer
Riddle, Robert D
Project Start
2006-04-01
Project End
2011-03-31
Budget Start
2007-04-01
Budget End
2008-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$286,942
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
555917996
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455
Vue, Tou Yia; Lee, Melody; Tan, Yew Ei et al. (2013) Thalamic control of neocortical area formation in mice. J Neurosci 33:8442-53
Bluske, Krista K; Vue, Tou Yia; Kawakami, Yasuhiko et al. (2012) ?-Catenin signaling specifies progenitor cell identity in parallel with Shh signaling in the developing mammalian thalamus. Development 139:2692-702
Kawakami, Yasuhiko; Marti, Merce; Kawakami, Hiroko et al. (2011) Islet1-mediated activation of the *-catenin pathway is necessary for hindlimb initiation in mice. Development 138:4465-73
Wang, Lynn; Bluske, Krista K; Dickel, Lauren K et al. (2011) Basal progenitor cells in the embryonic mouse thalamus - their molecular characterization and the role of neurogenins and Pax6. Neural Dev 6:35
Bluske, Krista K; Kawakami, Yasuhiko; Koyano-Nakagawa, Naoko et al. (2009) Differential activity of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the embryonic mouse thalamus. Dev Dyn 238:3297-309
Vue, Tou Yia; Bluske, Krista; Alishahi, Amin et al. (2009) Sonic hedgehog signaling controls thalamic progenitor identity and nuclei specification in mice. J Neurosci 29:4484-97
Alishahi, Amin; Koyano-Nakagawa, Naoko; Nakagawa, Yasushi (2009) Regional expression of MTG genes in the developing mouse central nervous system. Dev Dyn 238:2095-102