Reporter: Shengjian Ji, PhD

Time: Mar25,2013,10:00AM

Location: Meeting Room,Institute of Neuroscience,Soochow University 

Shengjian Ji, PhD 

Weill Medical College

Cornell University

Neuronal specification is fundamental for proper assembly of neuronal circuits. While pre-specified genetic programs play important roles in the early steps of neuronal specification, many neurons acquire distinct identities as their axons navigate toward target cells and encounter target-derived signaling molecules. Mechanisms by which axons convert the complex milieu of signaling molecules into retrograde signals are not fully understood.

In this seminar, I will discuss the experimental evidence that supports a role for axonally derived transcription factors in neuronal specification. We find that neuronal specification in trigeminal ganglia requires the sequential action of two target-derived factors, BDNF and BMP4. BDNF induces the translation of axonally localized SMAD1/5/8 transcripts. Axon-derived transcription factors SMAD1/5/8 are then translocated to the cell body, where it is phosphorylated to a transcriptionally active form by BMP4-induced signaling endosomes. Our data raise the intriguing possibility that the axonal translation and retrograde trafficking of transcription factors may be a recurrent feature in neuronal subtype specification and patterning

   Institute of Neuroscience,SoochowUniversity                              

2013-3-20