Robo-2 controls the segregation of a portion of basal vomeronasal sensory neuron axons to the posterior region of the accessory olfactory bulb.
The ability of sensory systems to detect and process information from the environment relies on the elaboration of precise connections between sensory neurons in the periphery and second order neurons in the CNS. In mice, the accessory olfactory system is thought to regulate a wide variety of social and sexual behaviors. The expression of the Slit receptors Robo-1 and Robo-2 in vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) suggests they may direct the stereotypic targeting of their axons to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Here, we have examined the roles of Robo-1 and Robo-2 in the formation of connections by VSN axons within the AOB. While Robo-1 is not necessary for the segregation of VSN axons within the anterior and posterior regions of the AOB, Robo-2 is required for the targeting of some basal VSN axons to the posterior region of the AOB but is dispensable for the fasciculation of VSN axons. Furthermore, the specific ablation of Robo-2 expression in VSNs leads to mistargeting of a portion of basal VSN axons to the anterior region of the AOB, indicating that Robo-2 expression is required on projecting VSN axons. Together, these results identify Robo-2 as a receptor that controls the targeting of basal VSN axons to the posterior AOB.
Prince
Janet E A
JE
Montreal Neurological Institute, Centre for Neuronal Survival, Montréal, Québec H3A 2B4, Canada.
Cho
Jin Hyung
JH
Dumontier
Emilie
E
Andrews
William
W
Cutforth
Tyler
T
Tessier-Lavigne
Marc
M
Parnavelas
John
J
Cloutier
Jean-François
JF
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009830:Olfactory Bulb / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D019147:Vomeronasal Organ / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D000097905:Roundabout Proteins; D000098552:Slit Homolog 2 Protein
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D000097905:Roundabout Proteins; D000098552:Slit Homolog 2 Protein; C498888:Robo2 protein, mouse; C120010:Slit1 protein, mouse; C432251:Slit3 protein, mouse