A novel role for p75NTR in subplate growth cone complexity and visual thalamocortical innervation.

摘要: In cortical development, subplate axons pioneer the pathway from neocortex to internal capsule, leading proposal that they are required for subsequent area-specific innervation of cortex by thalamic axons. A role p75 neutrophin receptor (NTR) in is suggested observation p75NTR expression restricted neurons a low-rostral high-caudal gradient throughout period thalamocortical innervation. vitro, neurotrophin 3 binding increases neurite length and filopodial formation immunopurified neurons, suggesting growth cone morphology function vivo. Consistent with this idea, cones have markedly fewer filopodia mice lacking than wild type mice. Despite gross morphologic defect, many knock-out projection capsule as do wild-type However few make ectopic projections rostral intermediate zone frontal cortex. Concomitant altered cones, diminished visual lateral geniculate nucleus, reduced or absent connections 48% Thalamic auditory somatosensory normal, consistent expression. Our present results unusual argue functions novel way is, rather axon extension neuronal survival.