ETS Regulation of Afferent-Muscle Interactions

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

0077478 Kucera Muscle spindles and tendon organs are muscle receptors important for the control of movement and posture. Animals that lack muscle spindles cannot walk. Preliminary studies have shown that numbers and structure of spindles and tendon organs are abnormal in the absence of a gene called 3r81. The present project will address mechanisms whereby the er81 gene causes abnormalities of the muscle receptors. Using genetically altered mice lacking er81, the project will examine how nerve fibers originating from sensory neurons located just outside the spinal cord are able to induce the formation of spindles and tendon organs in muscles, and connect the muscle receptors to appropriate motor neurons in the spinal cord so that they can function properly. Trauma to peripheral nerve or spinal cord often results in disconnection of nerve fibers from their target organs. This inability of injured nerve fibers to match with muscle receptors or spinal neurons hampers recovery of function during nerve regeneration. A better understanding of the role of the er81 gene in the molecular processes that match nerve fibers with their targets may help to devise new restorative therapies for patients with peripheral nerve or spinal cord injuries.