The responses of DRG axons to Sema3A after modifying of calcium channel activity in developing mouse neurons

Abstract

During the development of nervous system growth of neurites from neurons highly depends on various signaling molecules. One of these signaling cues is a protein semaphorin 3A (Sema3A). The binding of Sema3A to the growth cones of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons initiates depolymerization of cytoskeletal protein actin and induces growth cone collapse. Moreover it has been noticed, that it influences not only growth cones, but elongation of axons, through polymerization of microtubules. Recently it became evident that calcium is an important factor in the responses of DRG axons to various signaling molecules. [...]