Axonal branching is a key mechanism in establishing the precise neuronal circuits that form the nervous system.
Our analyses of sensory axon trajectories for the first time identified a signaling cascade that governs axon bifurcation – a specific form of branch formation. This cGMP-dependent signaling cascade comprises the ligand natriuretic peptide C (CNP), the receptor guanylyl cyclase Npr2, and the cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI, also termed PKG). Our future efforts will concentrate on the identification of further upstream and downstream components for a complete picture of this cascade. We will focus on factors that inactivate cGMP signaling and that establish cross-talks to other signal transduction pathways.
The insights gained through these analyses will allow us to study whether this pathway is also involved in branching of other axonal systems and whether this cascade affects pain perception and mechanotransduction.
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