Loss of neural recognition molecule NB-3 delays the normal projection and terminal branching of developing corticospinal tract axons in the mouse

J Comp Neurol. 2012 Apr 15;520(6):1227-45. doi: 10.1002/cne.22772.

Abstract

Neural recognition molecule NB-3 is involved in neural development and synapse formation. However, its role in axon tract formation is unclear. In this study, we found that the temporal expression of NB-3 in the deep layers of the motor cortex in mice was coincident with the development of the corticospinal tract (CST). Clear NB-3 immunoreactivity in the CST trajectory strongly suggested that NB-3 was expressed specifically in projecting CST axons. By tracing CST axons in NB-3−/− mice at different developmental stages, we found that these axons were capable of projecting and forming a normal trajectory. However, the projection was greatly delayed in NB-3−/− mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice from the embryonic to postnatal stages, a period that is coincident with the completion of the CST projection in mice. Subsequently, although their projection was delayed, CST axons in NB-3−/− mice gradually completed a normal projection. By stage P21, the characteristics of CST projections in NB-3−/− mice were not statistically different from those in WT mice. In addition, we found that the branching of CST axons into spinal gray matter also was delayed in NB-3−/− mice. The CST innervation area in the spinal gray matter of NB-3−/− mice was greatly reduced in comparison with WT mice until P30 and gradually became normal by P45. These data suggest that NB-3 is involved in the normal projection and terminal branching of developing CST axons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / deficiency*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Chimera
  • Female
  • Growth Cones / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Pyramidal Tracts / cytology
  • Pyramidal Tracts / metabolism
  • Pyramidal Tracts / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord / cytology
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • contactin 6 protein, mouse