I am thrilled to share the culmination of my undergrad work (my 1st paper!) is now available via @Dev_Bio_Journal. We studied existing and novel mouse models of #SpinaBifida to study how neuronal migration into the pelvic ganglia alters urination in patients with this disease. 1/

Paper available here https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> #undfig1">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012160621000865?via%3Dihub #undfig1">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/a... "Altered sacral neural crest development in Pax3 spina bifida mutants underlies deficits of bladder innervation and function"

We showed that by mid-gestation in mice with Pax3 mutant spina bifida, the pelvic ganglia that innervate the bladder were severely underdeveloped with significantly reduced area, neural density, and proliferation. 3/

By comparing neuronal subtypes in the ganglia between our #SpinaBifida models, we were able to demonstrate that Pax3 expression in non-neural crest cells is responsible for differentiation into CGRP+ neurons. Only constitutive mutants showed complete absence of these neurons. 4/

We showed that CGRP+ innervation of the bladder is severely reduced in constitutive Pax3 homozygous mutants. Additionally, neurons projected a shorter distance into the bladder in mutants as compared to WT littermates. This replicates bladder findings in patients. 5/

Because mouse models of #SpinaBifida often die shortly after birth, it is difficult to study many of the lifelong complications that affect patients, like overactive bladder. By time- and lineage-restricting the causative Pax3 mutation, our mice survived up to 6 weeks of age. 6/

We measured urination behaviors in lineage-restricted Pax3 mutants to understand the contributions of NCC to the urge to urinate using the Void Spot Assay. Interestingly, urination behaviors were altered only in lineage-restricted mutant males. 7/

Lastly, consistent with our functional results, we found that all postnatal male mutants and some females exhibited diminished bladder wall innervation. 8/

I am infinitely thankful to @MSouthardSmith for allowing me to work on this project and for introducing me to developmental genetics! I& #39;m excited to further understanding of developmental and pediatric diseases throughout my career. Cheers to being a published author!! https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🥳" title="Partying face" aria-label="Emoji: Partying face">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🍾" title="Flasche mit knallendem Korken" aria-label="Emoji: Flasche mit knallendem Korken"> 9/9