Abstract
Neurotrophins regulate survival, axonal growth, and target innervation of sensory and other neurons. Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is expressed specifically in cells adjacent to extending axons of dorsal root ganglia neurons, and its absence results in loss of most of these neurons before their axons reach their targets. However, axons are not required for NT-3 expression in limbs; instead, local signals from ectoderm induce NT-3 expression in adjacent mesenchyme. Wnt factors expressed in limb ectoderm induce NT-3 in the underlying mesenchyme. Thus, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions mediated by Wnt factors control NT-3 expression and may regulate axonal growth and guidance.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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3T3 Cells
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Animals
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Coculture Techniques
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Ectoderm / metabolism
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Ectoderm / physiology*
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Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
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Epithelium / metabolism
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Extremities / embryology
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Extremities / innervation
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Ganglia, Spinal / physiology
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
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Glycoproteins*
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Mesoderm / metabolism*
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Mice
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Motor Neurons / physiology
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Nerve Growth Factors / biosynthesis
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Nerve Growth Factors / genetics*
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Neurons, Afferent / physiology
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Neurotrophin 3
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Organ Culture Techniques
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology*
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Signal Transduction
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Wnt Proteins
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Wnt4 Protein
Substances
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Glycoproteins
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Nerve Growth Factors
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Neurotrophin 3
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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WNT4 protein, human
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WNT7B protein, human
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Wnt Proteins
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Wnt4 Protein
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Wnt4 protein, mouse
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Wnt7a protein, mouse
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Wnt7b protein, mouse