TY - JOUR T1 - Neuregulin 1–erbB Signaling Is Necessary for Normal Myelination and Sensory Function JF - The Journal of Neuroscience JO - J. Neurosci. SP - 3079 LP - 3086 DO - 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3785-05.2006 VL - 26 IS - 12 AU - Suzhen Chen AU - Miguel Omar Velardez AU - Xavier Warot AU - Zhao-Xue Yu AU - Shyra J. Miller AU - Didier Cros AU - Gabriel Corfas Y1 - 2006/03/22 UR - http://www.jneurosci.org/content/26/12/3079.abstract N2 - To investigate the role of erbB signaling in the interactions between peripheral axons and myelinating Schwann cells, we generated transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative erbB receptor in these glial cells. Mutant mice have delayed onset of myelination, thinner myelin, shorter internodal length, and smaller axonal caliber in adulthood. Consistent with the morphological defects, transgenic mice also have slower nerve conduction velocity and defects in their responses to mechanical stimulation. Molecular analysis indicates that erbB signaling may contribute to myelin formation by regulating transcription of myelin genes. Analysis of sciatic nerves showed a reduction in the levels of expression of myelin genes in mutant mice. In vitro assays revealed that neuregulin-1 (NRG1) induces expression of myelin protein zero (P0). Furthermore, we found that the effects of NRG1 on P0 expression depend on the NRG1 isoform used. When NRG1 is presented to Schwann cells in the context of cell–cell contact, type III but not type I NRG1 regulates P0 gene expression. These results suggest that disruption of the NRG1–erbB signaling pathway could contribute to the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies with hypomyelination and neuropathic pain. ER -