Sonic hedgehog expression in corticofugal projection neurons directs cortical microcircuit formation.
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Abstract | VIDEO ABSTRACT: The precise connectivity of inputs and outputs is critical for cerebral cortex function; however, the cellular mechanisms that establish these connections are poorly understood. Here, we show that the secreted molecule Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is involved in synapse formation of a specific cortical circuit. Shh is expressed in layer V corticofugal projection neurons and the Shh receptor, Brother of CDO (Boc), is expressed in local and callosal projection neurons of layer II/III that synapse onto the subcortical projection neurons. Layer V neurons of mice lacking functional Shh exhibit decreased synapses. Conversely, the loss of functional Boc leads to a reduction in the strength of synaptic connections onto layer Vb, but not layer II/III, pyramidal neurons. These results demonstrate that Shh is expressed in postsynaptic target cells while Boc is expressed in a complementary population of presynaptic input neurons, and they function to guide the formation of cortical microcircuitry. |
Year of Publication | 2012
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Journal | Neuron
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Volume | 73
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Issue | 6
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Pages | 1116-26
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Date Published | 2012 Mar 22
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ISSN | 1097-4199
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DOI | 10.1016/j.neuron.2012.02.009
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PubMed ID | 22445340
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PubMed Central ID | PMC3551478
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Grant list | R01 NS035710 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
P01 NS048120 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
2R37N5035710 / PHS HHS / United States
5P01NS048120 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
R01 NS035710-13 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
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