Role of Runx Factors in DRG Sensory Neuron Diversification

Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG)

Cluster of sensory neurons transmitting sensory modalities.

TrkA+ Neurons

Respond to NGF, involved in pain sensation.

TrkB+ Neurons

Respond to BDNF, involved in mechanoreception.

TrkC+ Neurons

Respond to NT-3, involved in proprioception.

Ret+ Neurons

Respond to GDNF, participate in various sensory modalities.

Runx Transcription Factors

Regulate cell fate decisions in neurons.

Runx1

Expressed in TrkA+ neurons, refines nociceptive identity.

Runx3

Expressed in TrkC+ neurons, promotes proprioceptor identity.

Gain-of-function Experiments

Introduce genes to study their effects on neurons.

Loss-of-function Experiments

Remove genes to analyze their role in neurons.

Immunohistochemistry

Technique to label proteins in tissue samples.

Axonal Tracing

Method to track sensory neuron axon projections.

Ngn1

Not required for neurotrophic factor receptor segregation.

Ngn2

Examined for genetic interactions with Runx and Trk.

CGRP Expression

Repressed by Runx1 in TrkA+ DRG neurons.

Fluorescence Imaging

Used for quantifying protein expression in neurons.

Cell Autonomy

Runx3 acts independently to repress TrkB expression.

Molecular Basis of Diversity

Insights into sensory neuron subtype generation.

Proprioceptor Identity

Ensured by Runx3 through TrkC expression.

Nociceptive Neuron Identity

Refined by Runx1 through CGRP repression.

Transcriptional Switches

Runx factors diversify DRG neuron subtypes.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Understanding enhanced by studying sensory neuron diversity.