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Published on: March 16, 2016
The molluscan RING-finger protein L-TRIM is essential for neuronal outgrowth
M T van Diepen1, G E Spencer, J van Minnen
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences
|May 4, 2005
Summary
Researchers found that L-TRIM, a protein involved in neuronal development, is crucial for neurite outgrowth and regeneration. This suggests conserved functions for TRIM-2/3 proteins in neuronal differentiation across species.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Tripartite motif proteins TRIM-2 and TRIM-3 are implicated in organizing neuronal outgrowth and structural plasticity.
- Understanding the evolutionary conservation of these proteins' functions is essential for advancing neurobiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a molluscan orthologue of TRIM-2/3, named L-TRIM.
- To investigate the role of L-TRIM in neuronal development and regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Identification of a molluscan TRIM-2/3 orthologue (L-TRIM).
- Analysis of L-Trim mRNA expression in central neurons during in vitro neurite outgrowth, in adult central nervous system and peripheral tissues, and during postnatal brain development and neuronal regeneration.
- In vitro double-stranded RNA knock-down of L-Trim mRNA to assess its impact on neurite outgrowth.
Main Results:
- L-TRIM was identified as a molluscan orthologue of TRIM-2/3.
- L-Trim mRNA expression increased during in vitro neurite outgrowth, postnatal brain development, and neuronal regeneration.
- Knock-down of L-Trim mRNA significantly inhibited neurite outgrowth (>70%).
Conclusions:
- L-TRIM plays a critical role in developmental neurite outgrowth and functional neuronal regeneration.
- TRIM-2/3 family members likely possess evolutionarily conserved functions in neuronal differentiation.
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