Rapid transient isoform-specific neuregulin1 transcription in motor neurons is regulated by neurotrophic factors and axon-target interactions

This study investigates how NRG1, a key factor in nerve development, is regulated in motor neurons. It finds that when motor neuron axons reach their targets, NRG1 production increases. The research shows that neurotrophic factors like BDNF and GDNF, which support neuron survival, can restore NRG1 production if the target is missing. The study also explores the mechanisms behind this regulation, showing that BDNF rapidly and temporarily increases NRG1 production through specific signaling pathways and protein synthesis.

• 1
  Axon-target interactions regulate NRG1 mRNA expression during early development, suggesting a trophic role from the developing limb.
• 2
  Neurotrophic factors like BDNF and GDNF can restore NRG1 mRNA expression in motor neurons lacking targets, while NGF cannot.
• 3
  BDNF induces a rapid and transient upregulation of type I and type III NRG1 mRNAs in mammalian motor neuron cultures, requiring TrkB, MAPK, and PI3K signaling, as well as new transcription and protein synthesis.