Etv4 transcription factor mediates nociceptive behaviors and sensory innervation

DE VINCENTI, ANA PAULA; PARATCHA, GUSTAVO; PABLO BRUMOVSKY; LEDDA, FERNANDA; ANTONELLA SOLEDAD RIOS; JORGE AQUINO

CABA

Congreso; LASDB Meeting 2019; 2019

LASDB

Sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) mediate the perception of external stimuli depending of the appropriate peripheral target tissue innervation. During embryonic development, the majority of DRG neurons express the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA and project unmyelinated fibers to innervate the epidermis. Later in development, a second specification step occurs to give rise peptidergic nociceptors that maintain TrkA expression and plays a key role in pain sensation.In mammals, peripheral neurotrophic signals have been shown to induce the expression of the Pea3 subfamily of ETS transcription factors (Etv1, Etv4, and Etv5). Previous studies of our group showed that Etv4 and Etv5 are expressed by developing TrkA DRG neurons and are induced by peripheral NGF.Here, we analyzed the in vivo role of Etv4 on the development of DRG, target innervation and its role in nociception. Using different behavioral assays, we show that Pea3 deficient animals present defects in sensing thermal noxious stimuli. Furthermore, peripheral innervation of peptidergic neurons is altered in mutant mice. Additionally, we observed a reduction of DRG neurons expressing some ion channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family and specific peptides, normally expressed in adult peptidergic neurons. Together, our data indicates that Etv4 has a key role in sensing noxious nociceptive stimuli.Affiliations: