The Metalloproteinase Is Required for Sensory Axon Guidance in the Hindbrain.

Little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the formation of the cranial peripheral sensory system in vertebrates. To identify genes involved in the formation of these circuits, we performed a forward genetic screen utilizing a transgenic zebrafish line () that expresses green fluorescent protein (gfp) in sensory neurons of the Vth, VIIth, IXth and Xth cranial ganglia. Here, we describe a novel zebrafish mutant in which a missense mutation in the gene selectively affects the epibranchial sensory circuits.

Transcriptome Analysis of Chemically-Induced Sensory Neuron Ablation in Zebrafish.

Peripheral glia are known to have a critical role in the initial response to axon damage and degeneration. However, little is known about the cellular responses of non-myelinating glia to nerve injury. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomes of wild-type and mutant (lacking peripheral glia) zebrafish larvae that were treated with metronidazole.

The relationship between children's sensory processing patterns and their leisure preferences and participation patterns.

Background: Sensory processing patterns may be associated with children's preferences for different activities; however, knowledge about how different sensory processing patterns may relate to children's participation in leisure activities is scarce.

Purpose: This study investigated in what leisure activities children with extreme sensory processing patterns participate and if relationships exist between children's sensory processing patterns and their leisure preferences and participation patterns.

Method: This correlational study analyzed data from children's Sensory Profiles and reported play and leisure preferences.

Novel role for carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 2 in cranial sensory circuit formation.

In zebrafish, cranial sensory circuits form by 4 days post-fertilization. We used a forward genetic screen to identify genes involved in the formation of these circuits. In one mutant allele, sl23, axons arising from the epibranchial sensory ganglia do not form their stereotypical terminal fields in the hindbrain.

Offenders who are mothers with and without experience in prostitution: differences in historical trauma, current stressors, and physical and mental health differences.

Background: Women offenders are a growing population in the criminal justice system; most are mothers. A subset of these women have a history of prostitution. Despite more recent research identifying the needs of women offenders who are mothers, those with and without experience in prostitution are still generally represented in the literature as a homogenous group.

Diverse mechanisms for assembly of branchiomeric nerves.

The formation of branchiomeric nerves (cranial nerves V, VII, IX and X) from their sensory, motor and glial components is poorly understood. The current model for cranial nerve formation is based on the Vth nerve, in which sensory afferents are formed first and must enter the hindbrain in order for the motor efferents to exit. Using transgenic zebrafish lines to discriminate between motor neurons, sensory neurons and peripheral glia, we show that this model does not apply to the remaining three branchiomeric nerves.

A zebrafish SKIV2L2-enhancer trap line provides a useful tool for the study of peripheral sensory circuit development.

The zebrafish is an ideal model for elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie development of the peripheral nervous system. A transgenic line that selectively labels all the sensory circuits would be a valuable tool for such investigations. In this study, we describe such a line: the enhancer trap zebrafish line Tg(SKIV2L2:gfp)(j1775) which expresses green fluorescent protein (gfp) in the peripheral sensory ganglia.

Sirolimus therapy for angiomyolipoma in tuberous sclerosis and sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a phase 2 trial.

Purpose: Renal angiomyolipomas are a frequent manifestation of tuberous sclerosis and sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). These disorders are associated with mutations of TSC1 or TSC2 that lead to overactivation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), suggesting an opportunity for targeted therapy by using mTORC1 inhibitors. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of the mTORC1 inhibitor sirolimus for treatment of renal angiomyolipomas in patients with these disorders.

Ectodermal P2X receptor function plays a pivotal role in craniofacial development of the zebrafish.

P2X receptors are non-selective cation channels operated by extracellular ATP. Currently, little is known concerning the functions of these receptors during development. Previous work from our lab has shown that zebrafish have two paralogs of the mammalian P2X3 receptor subunit.

Molecular characterization and embryonic expression of the family of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit genes in the zebrafish.

We present the cloning of 10 N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits from the zebrafish. These subunits fall into five subtypes, each containing two paralogous genes. Thus, we report two NMDAR1 genes (NR1.

Molecular structure of P2X receptors.

P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that transduce many of the physiological effects of extracellular ATP. There has been a dramatic increase in awareness of these receptors over the past 5 or so years, in great part due to their molecular cloning and characterization. The availability of cDNA clones for the various subunits has led to rapid progress in identifying their tissue-specific expression, resulting in new ideas concerning the functional roles these receptors might play in physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Cloning and characterization of two novel zebrafish P2X receptor subunits.

In this report we describe the cloning and characterization of two P2X receptor subunits cloned from the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Primary sequence analysis suggests that one cDNA encodes an ortholog of the mammalian P2X(4) subunit and the second cDNA encodes the ortholog of the mammalian P2X(5) subunit. The zP2X(4) subunit forms a homo-oligomeric receptor that displays a low affinity for ATP (EC(50)=274+/-48 microM) and very low affinity (EC(50)>500 microM) for other purinergic ligands such as alphabetameATP, suramin, and PPADS.