Conclusions
Taken together, these data suggest that Cdo as a Shh coreceptor is required for the induction of motor neuron generation by fully activating Shh signalling pathway and provide additional insights into the biology of motor neuron development.
Results
In this study, we examined the role of Cdo in motor neuron generation by utilizing in vitro differentiation of Cdo＋/＋ and Cdo-/- embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In response to Shh, Cdo-/- ESCs exhibited impaired expression of motor neuron specification markers while dorsal interneuron specification markers were significantly increased, compared to Cdo＋/＋ ESCs. Reactivation of Shh signalling pathway with Smoothened (Smo) agonist (SAG) restored motor neuron specification in Cdo-/- ESCs. In addition, electrophysiological analysis revealed the immature electrical features of Cdo-/- ESCs-derived neurons which was restored by SAG. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest that Cdo as a Shh coreceptor is required for the induction of motor neuron generation by fully activating Shh signalling pathway and provide additional insights into the biology of motor neuron development.