Journal
EMBO JOURNAL
Volume 28, Issue 3, Pages 248-260Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2008.265
Keywords
actin dynamics; axon; calpain; plasticity; sprouting
Categories
Funding
- CIHR [MOP-13246]
- EMBO Long-Term Fellowship
- MSFHR
Ask authors/readers for more resources
During development, neurons extend projections that pathfind to reach their appropriate targets. These projections are composed of two distinct domains: a highly dynamic growth cone and a stable neurite shaft, which is considered to be consolidated. Although the regulation of these domains is critical to the appropriate formation of neural networks, the molecular mechanisms that regulate neurite shape remain poorly understood. Here, we show that calpain protease activity localizes to the neurite shaft, where it is essential for the repression of protrusive activity by limiting cortactin levels and inhibiting actin polymerization. Correspondingly, inhibition of calpain by branching factors induces the formation of new growth cones along the neurite shaft through cAMP elevation. These findings demonstrate that neurite consolidation is an active process requiring constant repression of protrusive activity. We also show that sprouting is, at least in part, accomplished by turning off the mechanism of consolidation.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available