The overall goal of this proposal is to define the molecular mechanisms that establish the first longitudinal axon pathways in the embryonic vertebrate brain. Longitudinal axons form the main communication highways in the CNS, transmitting all signals between brain regions and spinal cord. During early brain development, pioneer axons establish an initial simple array of longitudinal tracts by choosing specific pathways and accurately growing long distances. Our preliminary results have identified Slit/Robo signaling as a major determinant of longitudinal guidance, specifically the Slit1 and Slit2 secreted signaling proteins and their Robo1 and Robo2 receptors. We show that all pioneer longitudinal tracts are severely disrupted in mouse embryos carrying Slit or Robo mutations, due to extensive dorsal-ventral wandering and other errors. The overall goal of the proposal is to define how Slit/Robo signaling controls longitudinal guidance. The experimental system is the simple organized array of pioneer axons in early mouse and chick embryos, using a range of functional assays in intact embryos and with cultured axons.
Aim 1. Determine the function of secreted Slit cues in guiding longitudinal axons. Our initial analysis of Slit mutant embryos identifies Slit1 and 2 as providing critical cues. We hypothesize that Slits function either as direct long-range instructive signals to orient and position axons, or as obligatory permissive signals for axons to respond to other guidance cues. To distinguish between these mechanisms, we will study axon projections in Slit mutant mice, challenge axons with Slits in explant cultures, and mis-express Slits in vivo.
Aim 2. Test the function of the Robo family of Slit receptors in longitudinal guidance. Our evidence shows that axons mutant for Robo1 and 2 are unable to navigate along precise pathways. These results indicate that Robo1 and 2 mediate Slit signaling. We propose that Robos set the position of different longitudinal tracts via modulation of either specific combinations of isoforms or by different expression levels. To test these Robo mechanisms, we will study axons in Robo mutant mice, and mis-express Robos in specific axon populations. The main goal of this proposal is to define how neural wiring can form during embryonic brain development. New insights into neuron growth mechanisms during development will provide significant insights into birth defects in the brain, as well as how functional regeneration of the nervous system could be stimulated and guided following trauma or disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS054740-04
Application #
7992389
Study Section
Neurodifferentiation, Plasticity, and Regeneration Study Section (NDPR)
Program Officer
Riddle, Robert D
Project Start
2007-12-15
Project End
2012-11-30
Budget Start
2010-12-01
Budget End
2012-11-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$239,221
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Nevada Reno
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
146515460
City
Reno
State
NV
Country
United States
Zip Code
89557
Kim, Minkyung; Fontelonga, Tatiana M; Lee, Clare H et al. (2017) Motor axons are guided to exit points in the spinal cord by Slit and Netrin signals. Dev Biol 432:178-191
Bjorke, Brielle; Shoja-Taheri, Farnaz; Kim, Minkyung et al. (2016) Contralateral migration of oculomotor neurons is regulated by Slit/Robo signaling. Neural Dev 11:18
Moreno-Bravo, Juan A; Martinez-Lopez, Jesus E; Madrigal, M Pilar et al. (2016) Developmental guidance of the retroflex tract at its bending point involves Robo1-Slit2-mediated floor plate repulsion. Brain Struct Funct 221:665-78
Kim, Kyung-Tai; Kim, Namhee; Kim, Hwan-Ki et al. (2016) ISL1-based LIM complexes control Slit2 transcription in developing cranial motor neurons. Sci Rep 6:36491
Lee, Hojae; Kim, Minkyung; Kim, Namhee et al. (2015) Slit and Semaphorin signaling governed by Islet transcription factors positions motor neuron somata within the neural tube. Exp Neurol 269:17-27
Shoja-Taheri, Farnaz; DeMarco, Arielle; Mastick, Grant S (2015) Netrin1-DCC-Mediated Attraction Guides Post-Crossing Commissural Axons in the Hindbrain. J Neurosci 35:11707-18
Kim, Minkyung; Fontelonga, Tatiana; Roesener, Andrew P et al. (2015) Motor neuron cell bodies are actively positioned by Slit/Robo repulsion and Netrin/DCC attraction. Dev Biol 399:68-79
Kim, Minkyung; Farmer, W Todd; Bjorke, Brielle et al. (2014) Pioneer midbrain longitudinal axons navigate using a balance of Netrin attraction and Slit repulsion. Neural Dev 9:17
García-Peña, Claudia M; Kim, Minkyung; Frade-Pérez, Daniela et al. (2014) Ascending midbrain dopaminergic axons require descending GAD65 axon fascicles for normal pathfinding. Front Neuroanat 8:43
Bravo-Ambrosio, Arlene; Mastick, Grant; Kaprielian, Zaven (2012) Motor axon exit from the mammalian spinal cord is controlled by the homeodomain protein Nkx2.9 via Robo-Slit signaling. Development 139:1435-46

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