Migration and function of a glial subtype in the vertebrate peripheral nervous system.
Glia-axon interactions are essential for the development and function of the nervous system. We combine in vivo imaging and genetics to address the mechanism by which the migration of these cells is coordinated during embryonic development. Using stable transgenic lines, we have followed the migration of one subset of glial cells and their target axons in living zebrafish embryos. These cells coalesce at an early stage and remain coupled throughout migration, with axons apparently pathfinding for glia. Mutant analysis demonstrates that axons provide instructive cues that are sufficient to control glial guidance. Furthermore, mutations in the transcription factor Sox10/cls uncouple the migration of axons and glia. Finally, genetic ablation of this glial subtype reveals an essential role in nerve fasciculation.
Gilmour
Darren T
DT
Max Planck Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Abteilung Genetik, Spemannstrasse 35, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Maischein
Hans-Martin
HM
Nüsslein-Volhard
Christiane
C
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000235:genetics*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000235:genetics*; D003463:Cues; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D020439:Growth Cones / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000378:metabolism; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D055757:SOXE Transcription Factors; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D055757:SOXE Transcription Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins