Mammalian Nkx2.2+ perineurial glia are essential for motor nerve development. Issue 9 (9th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clark, Jessica K.; O'keefe, Ashley; Mastracci, Teresa L.; Sussel, Lori; Matise, Michael P.; Kucenas, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Developmental dynamics. Volume 243:Issue 9(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1116
• Page End: 1129
• Publication Date: 2014-07-09
• Subjects: Morphogenesis -- Periodicals; Anatomy -- Periodicals; Anatomie -- Périodiques; Biologie du développement -- Périodiques; 571.833
• DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1058-8388

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p> <underline> <bold>Background:</bold> </underline> All vertebrate peripheral nerves connect the central nervous system (CNS) with targets in the periphery and are composed of axons, layers of ensheathing glia and connective tissue. Although the structure of these conduits is well established, very little is known about the origin and developmental roles of some of their elements. One understudied component, the perineurium, ensheaths nerve fascicles and is a component of the blood‐nerve‐barrier. In zebrafish, the motor nerve perineurium is composed of CNS‐derived <italic>nkx2.2a</italic><sup>+</sup> perineurial glia, which establish the motor exit point (MEP) during development. To determine if mouse perineurial cells also originate within the CNS and perform a similar function, we created a <italic>Nkx2.2:EGFP</italic> transgenic reporter line. <underline><bold>Results:</bold></underline> In conjunction with RNA expression analysis and antibody labeling, we observed <italic>Nkx2.2</italic><sup>+</sup> cells along peripheral motor nerves at all stages of development and in adult tissue. Additionally, in mice lacking <italic>Nkx2.2</italic>, we demonstrate that <italic>Nkx2.2<sup>+</sup></italic> perineurial glia are essential for motor nerve development and Schwann cell differentiation. <underline><bold>Conclusions:</bold></underline> Our studies reveal that a subset of mouse perineurial cells are CNS‐derived, express <italic>Nkx2.2</italic>, and are essential for motor nerve development. This work highlights an under‐appreciated but essential contribution of CNS‐derived cells to the development of the mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS). <italic>Developmental Dynamics 243:1116–1129, 2014</italic>. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </abstract>