Dataset Information

Loop formation and self-fasciculation of cortical axon using photonic guidance at long working distance.

ABSTRACT: The accuracy of axonal pathfinding and the formation of functional neural circuitry are crucial for an organism to process, store, and retrieve information from internal networks as well as from the environment. Aberrations in axonal migration is believed to lead to loop formation and self-fasciculation, which can lead to highly dysfunctional neural circuitry and therefore self-avoidance of axons is proposed to be the regulatory mechanism for control of synaptogenesis. Here, we report the application of a newly developed non-contact optical method using a weakly-focused, near infrared laser beam for highly efficient axonal guidance, and demonstrate the formation of axonal loops in cortical neurons, which demonstrate that cortical neurons can self-fasciculate in contrast to self-avoidance. The ability of light for axonal nano-loop formation opens up new avenues for the construction of complex neural circuitry, and non-invasive guidance of neurons at long working distances for restoration of impaired neural connections and functions.

SUBMITTER: Mondal A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4223660 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Loop formation and self-fasciculation of cortical axon using photonic guidance at long working distance.

Mondal Argha A Black Bryan B Kim Young-tae YT Mohanty Samarendra S

Scientific reports 20141107

The accuracy of axonal pathfinding and the formation of functional neural circuitry are crucial for an organism to process, store, and retrieve information from internal networks as well as from the environment. Aberrations in axonal migration is believed to lead to loop formation and self-fasciculation, which can lead to highly dysfunctional neural circuitry and therefore self-avoidance of axons is proposed to be the regulatory mechanism for control of synaptogenesis. Here, we report the applic ...[more]

PMID: 25376602

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Project description:The peripheral nervous system has an astonishing ability to regenerate following a compression or crush injury; however, the potential for full repair following a transection injury is much less. Currently, the major clinical challenge for peripheral nerve repair come from long gaps between the proximal and distal nerve stumps, which prevent regenerating axons reaching the distal nerve. Precise axon targeting during nervous system development is controlled by families of axon guidance molecules including Netrins, Slits, Ephrins and Semaphorins. Several recent studies have indicated key roles of Netrin1, Slit3 and EphrinB2 signalling in controlling the formation of new nerve bridge tissue and precise axon regeneration after peripheral nerve transection injury. Inside the nerve bridge, nerve fibroblasts express EphrinB2 while migrating Schwann cells express the receptor EphB2. EphrinB2/EphB2 signalling between nerve fibroblasts and migrating Schwann cells is required for Sox2 upregulation in Schwann cells and the formation of Schwann cell cords within the nerve bridge to allow directional axon growth to the distal nerve stump. Macrophages in the outermost layer of the nerve bridge express Slit3 while migrating Schwann cells and regenerating axons express the receptor Robo1; within Schwann cells, Robo1 expression is also Sox2-dependent. Slit3/Robo1 signalling is required to keep migrating Schwann cells and regenerating axons inside the nerve bridge. In addition to the Slit3/Robo1 signalling system, migrating Schwann cells also express Netrin1 and regenerating axons express the DCC receptor. It appears that migrating Schwann cells could also use Netrin1 as a guidance cue to direct regenerating axons across the peripheral nerve gap. Engineered neural tissues have been suggested as promising alternatives for the repair of large peripheral nerve gaps. Therefore, understanding the function of classic axon guidance molecules in nerve bridge formation and their roles in axon regeneration could be highly beneficial in developing engineered neural tissue for more effective peripheral nerve repair.

Dataset Information

Loop formation and self-fasciculation of cortical axon using photonic guidance at long working distance.

Publications

Loop formation and self-fasciculation of cortical axon using photonic guidance at long working distance.

Similar Datasets

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