Modification of DRG axon responses to Sema3a by calcium signals : [elektroninis išteklius]. poster :

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. In our study we examined the changes of the responses of DRG axons to Sema3A after blocking and modifying calcium channel expressed in developing E15 mouse embryos activity and calcium ion chelation in the growth medium. The results showed that inhibition or modification of calcium channels slows down growth of DRG axons as well as increase collapse rate. In addition to that experimental results revealed that the changes in activity of plasma membrane calcium channels can modify the DRG axon responses to the Sema3A. The study also revealed that Sema 3A slightly decreases the expression of cation channel TRP.