GSE121590
Functional and transcriptomic basis of enhanced muscle function after denervation-induced paralysis of the mouse whisker pad
The functional state of denervated muscle is a critical factor in the ability to restore movement after injury- or disease-related paralysis. Here we used peripheral optogenetic stimulation in the mouse whisker system to investigate the time course of changes in nerve and muscle function following facial nerve transection. While most skeletal muscles atrophy after lower motor neuron denervation, optogenetic muscle stimulation of the paralyzed whisker pad revealed sustained increases in the sensitivity, velocity, and amplitude of whisker movements, and reduced fatigability, starting 48 h after denervation. Transcriptome profiling showed distinct regulation of multiple gene families in denervated whisker pad muscles compared to the atrophy-prone soleus, including prominent changes in ion channels and contractile fibers. Together, our results define the functional and transcriptomic landscape of muscle denervation supersensensitivty, and have implications for restoring movement after neuromuscular injury or disease. Overall design: RNA-seq of intact or lesioned skin and muscle from rostral whisker pad.