RRC ID 65185
Author He L, Kooistra R, Das R, Oudejans E, van Leen E, Ziegler J, Portegies S, de Haan B, van Regteren Altena A, Stucchi R, Altelaar AM, Wieser S, Krieg M, Hoogenraad CC, Harterink M.
Title Cortical anchoring of the microtubule cytoskeleton is essential for neuron polarity.
Journal Elife
Abstract The development of a polarized neuron relies on the selective transport of proteins to axons and dendrites. Although it is well known that the microtubule cytoskeleton has a central role in establishing neuronal polarity, how its specific organization is established and maintained is poorly understood. Using the in vivo model system Caenorhabditis elegans, we found that the highly conserved UNC-119 protein provides a link between the membrane-associated Ankyrin (UNC-44) and the microtubule-associated CRMP (UNC-33). Together they form a periodic membrane-associated complex that anchors axonal and dendritic microtubule bundles to the cortex. This anchoring is critical to maintain microtubule organization by opposing kinesin-1 powered microtubule sliding. Disturbing this molecular complex alters neuronal polarity and causes strong developmental defects of the nervous system leading to severely paralyzed animals.
Volume 9
Published 2020-4-15
DOI 10.7554/eLife.55111
PII 55111
PMID 32293562
PMC PMC7159925
MeSH Animals Ankyrins / physiology Caenorhabditis elegans Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology Cell Polarity / physiology* Cells, Cultured Cerebral Cortex / physiology Cytoskeleton / physiology* Locomotion Microtubules / physiology* Nerve Growth Factors / physiology Nerve Tissue Proteins Neurons / physiology*
Resource
C.elegans tm349