PUBLICATION

Control of motor axon guidance in the zebrafish embryo

Authors
Beattie, C.E.
ID
ZDB-PUB-010227-2
Date
2000
Source
Brain research bulletin   53(5): 489-500 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Beattie, Christine
Keywords
zebrafish; motoneurons; mutants; genetic mosaics; pathfinding
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Anterior Horn Cells/cytology
  • Anterior Horn Cells/embryology*
  • Anterior Horn Cells/metabolism
  • Cell Communication/physiology
  • Growth Cones/metabolism*
  • Growth Cones/ultrastructure
  • Models, Animal
  • Nervous System/cytology
  • Nervous System/embryology*
  • Nervous System/metabolism
  • Zebrafish/embryology*
  • Zebrafish/metabolism
PubMed
11165784 Full text @ Brain Res. Bull.
Abstract
The zebrafish neuromuscular system has been an exemplary model for studying motor axon guidance since its detailed characterization almost two decades ago. In particular, characterization and detailed analysis has focused on the development and axogenesis of early developing primary motoneurons. During the first day of development, neuromuscular connections are limited to three primary motoneurons per spinal cord hemisegment innervating three discreet myotome territories. Observations of dye labeled primary motor axons in living embryos revealed that axogenesis is highly stereotyped with each primary motor axon extending along specific pathways and displaying particular characteristics. Exploiting the unique attributes of zebrafish, notably the ability to analyze motoneurons in living embryos and the capability to induce mutations, has allowed a comprehensive cellular, molecular and genetic approach to discerning the mechanisms that control the formation of neuromuscular connectivity. Knowledge gained from this body of work not only relates to zebrafish, but to vertebrate axon guidance in general.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping