Evidence for a Role of srGAP3 in the Positioning of Commissural Axons within the Ventrolateral Funiculus of the Mouse Spinal Cord
2011

Role of srGAP3 in Axon Positioning in Mouse Spinal Cord

Sample size: 97 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Claire Bacon, Volker Endris, Irwin Andermatt, Vera Niederkofler, Robert Waltereit, Dusan Bartsch, Esther T. Stoeckli, Gudrun Rappold

Primary Institution: University of Heidelberg

Hypothesis

What is the role of srGAP3 in the guidance of commissural axons in the mouse spinal cord?

Conclusion

The study suggests that srGAP3 is involved in the lateral positioning of commissural axons within the ventrolateral funiculus.

Supporting Evidence

  • srGAP3 interacts with Slit receptors Robo1 and Robo2.
  • No axon stalling was observed in srGAP3 knockout mice.
  • The ventral funiculus was significantly thicker in srGAP3 knockout spinal cords.

Takeaway

This study found that a protein called srGAP3 helps guide nerve fibers in the spinal cord, making sure they go to the right places.

Methodology

The researchers used knockout mice and various staining techniques to analyze axon positioning and interactions.

Limitations

The study does not explore the potential compensatory roles of other srGAP family members in detail.

Participant Demographics

Mouse models were used, specifically srGAP3 knockout mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.077

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0019887

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