Balance between BDNF and Semaphorins gates the innervation of the mammary gland

Hadas Sar Shalom, Ron Goldner, Yarden Golan-Vaishenker, Avraham Yaron

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The innervation of the mammary gland is controlled by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and sexually dimorphic sequestering of BDNF by the truncated form of TrkB (TrkB. T1) directs male-specific axonal pruning in mice. It is unknown whether other cues modulate these processes. We detected specific, non-dimorphic, expression of Semaphorin family members in the mouse mammary gland, which signal through PlexinA4. PlexinA4 deletion in both female and male embryos caused developmental hyperinnervation of the gland, which could be reduced by genetic co-reduction of BDNF. Moreover, in males, PlexinA4 ablation delayed axonal pruning, independently of the initial levels of innervation. In support of this, in vitro reduction of BDNF induced axonal hypersensitivity to PlexinA4 signaling. Overall, our study shows that precise sensory innervation of the mammary gland is regulated by the balance between trophic and repulsive signaling. Upon inhibition of trophic signaling, these repulsive factors may promote axonal pruning.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere41162
Number of pages20
JournaleLife
Volume8
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Jan 2019

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