A Developmental Switch in the Response of DRG Neurons to ETS Transcription Factor Signaling

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0030159
• Publication Date: 2005-04-18T20:50:39Z
• Authors: Simon Hippenmeyer; Eline Vrieseling; Markus Sigrist; Thomas Portmann; Celia Laengle; David R Ladle; Silvia Arber
• Keywords: Dorsal root ganglion; Sensory neuron

Two ETS transcription factors of the Pea3 subfamily are induced in subpopulations dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory and spinal motor neurons by target-derived factors. Their expression controls late aspects neuronal differentiation such as target invasion branching. Here, we show that onset gene is an essential requirement for normal neuron differentiation. We provide genetic evidence mouse precocious DRG perturbs axonal projections, acquisition terminal markers, their dependence on neurotrophic support. Together, our findings indicate exhibit a temporal developmental switch can be revealed distinct responses to factor signaling at sequential steps maturation.