Mutations in DMRT3 affect locomotion in horses and spinal circuit function in mice

Nature. 2012 Aug 30;488(7413):642-6. doi: 10.1038/nature11399.

Abstract

Locomotion in mammals relies on a central pattern-generating circuitry of spinal interneurons established during development that coordinates limb movement. These networks produce left-right alternation of limbs as well as coordinated activation of flexor and extensor muscles. Here we show that a premature stop codon in the DMRT3 gene has a major effect on the pattern of locomotion in horses. The mutation is permissive for the ability to perform alternate gaits and has a favourable effect on harness racing performance. Examination of wild-type and Dmrt3-null mice demonstrates that Dmrt3 is expressed in the dI6 subdivision of spinal cord neurons, takes part in neuronal specification within this subdivision, and is critical for the normal development of a coordinated locomotor network controlling limb movements. Our discovery positions Dmrt3 in a pivotal role for configuring the spinal circuits controlling stride in vertebrates. The DMRT3 mutation has had a major effect on the diversification of the domestic horse, as the altered gait characteristics of a number of breeds apparently require this mutation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Codon, Nonsense / genetics
  • Gait / genetics*
  • Gait / physiology
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Frequency
  • Horses / classification
  • Horses / genetics*
  • Horses / physiology*
  • Iceland
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Spinal Cord / cytology
  • Spinal Cord / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / deficiency
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Codon, Nonsense
  • Dmrt3 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors

Associated data

  • GENBANK/JQ922365
  • GENBANK/JQ922366
  • GENBANK/JQ922367
  • GENBANK/JQ922368
  • GENBANK/JQ922369
  • GENBANK/JQ922370
  • GENBANK/JQ922371
  • GENBANK/JQ922372
  • GENBANK/JQ922373
  • GENBANK/JQ922374
  • GENBANK/JQ922375
  • GENBANK/JQ922376
  • GENBANK/JQ922377
  • GENBANK/JQ922378
  • GENBANK/JQ922379
  • GENBANK/JQ922380
  • GENBANK/JQ922381
  • GENBANK/JQ922382
  • GENBANK/JQ922383
  • GENBANK/JQ922384
  • GENBANK/JQ922385
  • GENBANK/JQ922386
  • GENBANK/JQ922387
  • GENBANK/JQ922388
  • GENBANK/JQ922389
  • GENBANK/JQ922390
  • GENBANK/JQ922391
  • GENBANK/JQ922392
  • GENBANK/JQ922393
  • GENBANK/JQ922394
  • GENBANK/JQ922395