Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Single Gene Acts as 'master Organizer' of Motor Neurons in Spinal Cord

by Tanya Thomas on September 11, 2010 at 5:30 PM
 Single Gene Acts as 'master Organizer' of Motor Neurons in Spinal Cord

A single type of gene, scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered, regulates motor neurons in the spinal cord.

The finding could help scientists develop new treatments for diseases such as Lou Gehrig's disease or spinal cord injury.

Advertisement

The "master organizer" is a member of the Hox family of genes, best known for controlling the overall pattern of body development. By orchestrating a cascade of gene expression in the early embryo, Hox genes allow for the creation of an animal's overall structure and body part orientation.

Scientists first discovered the genes in fruit flies but they have since detected Hox activity in mammals. Humans harbor 39 such genes and 21 have been identified as coordinating motor neurons in the spinal cord.
Advertisement

"We knew that there were 21 Hox genes that determine how connections are made between motor neurons in the spinal cord and muscles in the limbs," says Jeremy S. Dasen, PhD, an associate professor in the Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Career Scientist.

"But what was surprising to us in this study was that a single Hox gene acts as a global organizer of motor neurons and their connections. The next step will be to see how Hoxc9 in motor neurons affect motor behaviors such as walking and breathing."

In mammals, many hundreds of motor neurons are needed to control the variety of muscle cells used to coordinate movement. Proper function depends on each of these neurons in the embryo finding its way from the spinal cord to the group of muscles that it is equipped to control.

Dr. Dasen and his colleagues have been working to discover the blueprint for this motor neuron diversity.

For this study, scientists studied mice with a mutation in Hoxc9 gene. They analyzed the molecular markers that distinguished between motor neurons in the limb and thoracic area and discovered mutation of Hoxc9 transformed the thoracic motor neurons into limb motor neurons.

In a series of biochemical experiments they further showed that Hoxc9 orchestrates gene expression in motor neurons by repressing the Hox genes dedicated to limb coordination.

"What we are trying to understand is how the nervous system is wired to control movements such as breathing and walking and see how genetic programs can further control these circuits in terms of exploring this paradigm as a way at looking at the vital circuits of the body," adds Dr. Dasen.

The study has been published in the September 9, 2010 issue of Neuron.

Source: ANI
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

Intricate Dance of Flaxseed, Gut Microbiome, and Breast Cancer Genes
Role of flaxseed in the relationship between gut microorganisms and mammary gland microRNAs has been uncovered by a new study.
MRNA Therapy's Promise for Chronic and Acute Liver Disease
New mRNA stem cell therapy, akin to COVID-19 vaccine tech, shows potential against chronic and acute liver diseases.
Could Light Therapy Be a Breakthrough for Alzheimer's?
Light therapy enhances sleep and psycho-behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's patients with minimal side effects.
Does Twice Daily Stimulation Enhance Alzheimer's Mental Functions?
Electrical stimulation improves Alzheimer's patients' cognitive function and correlates with restored cortical plasticity.
South Korea's 2050 Forecast: Negative Growth Amid Low Fertility
South Korea's total fertility rate, averaging the number of children a woman aged 15-49 has in her lifetime, dropped to 0.81.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Single Gene Acts as 'master Organizer' of Motor Neurons in Spinal Cord Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests