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cGMP-mediated signaling via cGKIαs required for the guidance and connectivity of sensory axons

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Item Type:Article
Title:cGMP-mediated signaling via cGKIαs required for the guidance and connectivity of sensory axons
Creators Name:Schmidt, H., Werner, M., Heppenstall, P.A., Henning, M., More, M.I., Kuehbandner, S., Lewin, G.R., Hofmann, F., Feil, R. and Rathjen, F.G.
Abstract:Previous in vitro studies using cGMP or cAMP revealed a cross-talk between signaling mechanisms activated by axonal guidance receptors. However, the molecular elements modulated by cyclic nucleotides in growth cones are not well understood. cGMP is a second messenger with several distinct targets including cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI). Our studies indicated that the alpha isoform of cGKI is predominantly expressed by sensory axons during developmental stages, whereas most spinal cord neurons are negative for cGKI. Analysis of the trajectories of axons within the spinal cord showed a longitudinal guidance defect of sensory axons within the developing dorsal root entry zone in the absence of cGKI. Consequently, in cGKI-deficient mice, fewer axons grow within the dorsal funiculus of the spinal cord, and lamina-specific innervation, especially by nociceptive sensory neurons, is strongly reduced as deduced from anti-trkA staining. These axon guidance defects in cGKI-deficient mice lead to a substantial impairment in nociceptive flexion reflexes, shown using electrophysiology. In vitro studies revealed that activation of cGKI in embryonic dorsal root ganglia counteracts semaphorin 3A-induced growth cone collapse. Our studies therefore reveal that cGMP signaling is important for axonal growth in vivo and in vitro.
Keywords:cGMP Signaling, Axonal Pathfinding, cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase I, Sensory Axons, Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Source:Journal of Cell Biology
ISSN:0021-9525
Publisher:Rockefeller University Press
Volume:159
Number:3
Page Range:489-498
Date:11 November 2002
Additional Information:Copyright (c) 2002 by The Rockefeller University Press
Official Publication:https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200207058
PubMed:View item in PubMed

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