A Role for Dystonia-Associated Genes in Spinal GABAergic Interneuron Circuitry.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Spinal interneurons are critical modulators of motor circuit function. In the dorsal spinal cord, a set of interneurons called GABApre presynaptically inhibits proprioceptive sensory afferent terminals, thus negatively regulating sensory-motor signaling. Although deficits in presynaptic inhibition have been inferred in human motor diseases, including dystonia, it remains unclear whether GABApre circuit components are altered in these conditions. Here, we use developmental timing to show that GABApre neurons are a late Ptf1a-expressing subclass and localize to the intermediate spinal cord. Using a microarray screen to identify genes expressed in this intermediate population, we find the kelch-like family member Klhl14, implicated in dystonia through its direct binding with torsion-dystonia-related protein Tor1a. Furthermore, in Tor1a mutant mice in which Klhl14 and Tor1a binding is disrupted, formation of GABApre sensory afferent synapses is impaired. Our findings suggest a potential contribution of GABApre neurons to the deficits in presynaptic inhibition observed in dystonia.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Zhang, J; Weinrich, JAP; Russ, JB; Comer, JD; Bommareddy, PK; DiCasoli, RJ; Wright, CVE; Li, Y; van Roessel, PJ; Kaltschmidt, JA

Published Date

  • October 2017

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 21 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 666 - 678

PubMed ID

  • 29045835

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC5658202

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2211-1247

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 2211-1247

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.079

Language

  • eng