Discoidin domain receptor regulates ensheathment, survival and caliber of peripheral axons

Most invertebrate axons and small-caliber axons in mammalian peripheral nerves are unmyelinated but still ensheathed by glia. Here, we use Drosophila wrapping glia to study the development and function of non-myelinating axon ensheathment, which is poorly understood. Selective ablation of these glia from peripheral nerves severely impaired larval locomotor behavior. In an in vivo RNA interference screen to identify glial genes required for axon ensheathment, we identified the conserved receptor tyrosine kinase Discoidin domain receptor (Ddr). In larval peripheral nerves, loss of Ddr resulted in severely reduced ensheathment of axons and reduced axon caliber, and we found a strong dominant genetic interaction between Ddr and the type XV/XVIII collagen Multiplexin (Mp), suggesting that Ddr functions as a collagen receptor to drive axon wrapping. In adult nerves, loss of Ddr decreased long-term survival of sensory neurons and significantly reduced axon caliber without overtly affecting ensheathment. Our data establish essential roles for non-myelinating glia in nerve development, maintenance and function, and identify Ddr as a key regulator of axon-glia interactions during ensheathment and establishment of axon caliber.

Automated summary

This study uses Drosophila wrapping glia to investigate the development and function of non-myelinating axon ensheathment. The selective ablation of these glia severely impairs larval locomotor behavior. Through an RNA interference screen, the conserved receptor tyrosine kinase Discoidin domain receptor (Ddr) is identified as a key regulator in axon ensheathment. Loss of Ddr results in reduced ensheathment of axons and decreased axon caliber, suggesting that Ddr functions as a collagen receptor to drive axon wrapping. In adult nerves, loss of Ddr decreases long-term survival of sensory neurons and significantly reduces axon caliber without overtly affecting ensheathment.