Analyzing Somatosensory Axon Projections with the Sensory Neuron-Specific Advillin Gene

This study focuses on Advillin, a protein found almost exclusively in peripheral sensory neurons. The researchers created a special mouse line, Avil-hPLAP, where the Advillin gene is tagged with a marker, allowing clear visualization of sensory axons and their connections. Using this mouse model, the study investigated the development of sensory nerve endings in different parts of the body and the growth of central axon connections in the brainstem and spinal cord. They found that the timing of these processes varies depending on the specific sensory function. The research also explored the role of Advillin in axon regeneration and plasticity. They discovered that sensory neurons lacking Advillin have impaired axon regrowth and reduced ability to remodel connections in response to injury.

• 1
  Advillin mRNA is almost exclusively expressed by craniofacial and dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons, with the exception of Me5 and Mo5 neurons.
• 2
  Peripheral and central targets are innervated by sensory neurons in an ordered manner, with specific timing depending on sensory modalities.
• 3
  Advillin protein functions in sensory axon remodeling and regeneration, as evidenced by impaired regenerative axon outgrowth and reduced plasticity in Advillin-deficient neurons.