# Characterization of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate glial tiling

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · 2021 · $347,825

## Abstract

Development of a functional and efficient nervous system requires the orchestrated specification, migration and
differentiation of glia. During gliogenesis in both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS,
respectively), large populations of glia are specified that must migrate and differentiate into not only functional
glial cells, but also coordinate their development so that they occupy discrete, non-overlapping territories with
neighboring glia. This phenomenon of glial spacing, or tiling, can occur between glia found in the CNS, PNS, or
between glial cells where one cell resides in the CNS and the other resides in the PNS. Although we know that
these tiling events occur, we don’t know the molecular nature of these interactions or whether they are used by
all tiling glia. Additionally, how local glial-glial interactions play a role in global glial tiling is unknown. In this
proposal, using zebrafish as a model organism, we will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that
mediate pre-myelinating glial tiling at motor exit point (MEP) transition zones (TZ) and in the developing spinal
cord. In Aim 1 of this project, we will use a combination of expression analysis, multi-color, in vivo, time-lapse
imaging, electron microscopy, pharmacological and genetic manipulation (CRISPR) of newly identified mediators
to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern myelinating glial tiling at MEP TZs. In Aim 2, we
will determine if the same mechanisms we characterize in Aim 1 also mediate tiling between oligodendrocyte
progenitor cells (OPC) in the developing spinal cord. To better understand, diagnose and treat the many
degenerative disorders of the CNS and PNS, we need to comprehend the cellular and molecular mechanisms
that mediate glial-glial interactions and tiling. Zebrafish provide a unique opportunity to directly observe and
manipulate cell populations to gain insight into how glial cells interact under normal physiological conditions, and
if those interactions that ultimately result in glial tiling are perturbed in disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10189727
- **Project number:** 5R01NS107525-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Sarah C Kucenas
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $347,825
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-15 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10189727

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10189727, Characterization of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate glial tiling (5R01NS107525-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10189727. Licensed CC0.

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