Hoxc10 and Hoxd10 regulate mouse columnar, divisional and motor pool identity of lumbar motoneurons

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.009225
• Publication Date: 2007-12-07T09:17:56Z
• Authors: Yuanyuan Wu; Guoying Wang; Sheryl A. Scott; Mario R. Capecchi
• Keywords: Axoplasmic transport; Hindlimb

A central question in neural development is how the broad diversity of neurons generated vertebrate CNS. We have investigated function Hoxc10 and Hoxd10 mouse lumbar motoneuron development. show that are initially expressed most newly motoneurons, but subsequently become restricted to lateral division motor column (lLMC). Disruption caused severe hindlimb locomotor defects. Motoneurons rostral segments were found adopt phenotype thoracic motoneurons. More caudally lLMC dorsal-projecting axons missing, yet muscles innervated. The loss was not due decreased production precursors or increased apoptosis. Instead, presumptive failed migrate their normal position, did differentiate into other motoneurons interneurons. Together, these results play key roles establishing columnar, divisional pool identity.