Identification and characterization of CD34-positive DRG neuron

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16114
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 48010:Anatomy-related
• Research Institution: Kansai Medical University
• Principal Investigator: KOIKE Taro 関西医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (00735590)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 一次感覚ニューロン / Dorsal root ganglion / CD34

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons exhibit heterogeneity, with multiple subtypes that differ in their sensory receptor profiles. We identified neurons in the mouse DRG that were positive for ant- CD34 antibody and investigated morphological features to characterize these neurons. The majority of CD34-positive neurons exhibited C-fiber low-threshold mechanoreceptor neuron markers, VGLUT3 and TH. CD34-positive nerve terminals were localized in PKCg-positive cell layer in the dorsal horn, which is a marker of the ventral part of lamina II. Moreover, neuron-tracing experiments suggested that CD34 neurons innervate the hairy skin but are not distributed in the hairless skin.

Free Research Field

末梢神経

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の学術的意義は、CD34陽性ニューロンを同定しその形態学的特徴を明らかにしたことにある。DRGニューロンはサブタイプごとに適切な神経回路を形成する事で、外界の情報を中枢神経に伝える。本研究は、感覚受容メカニズムの研究に寄与するものと考えられる。