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Expanding the Toolkit for In Vivo Imaging of Axonal Transport
Published on: December 23, 2021
Myosin X regulates netrin receptors and functions in axonal path-finding
Xiao-Juan Zhu1, Cheng-Zhong Wang, Peng-Gao Dai
1Program of Developmental Neurobiology, IMMAG and Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Nature Cell Biology
|January 24, 2007
Summary
Unconventional myosin X (Myo X) is crucial for netrin-1 function in axon guidance. Myo X interacts with DCC receptors, influencing neurite outgrowth and axon projection during neural development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Netrins are key signaling molecules guiding axon path-finding during neural development.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying netrin function remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of unconventional myosin X (Myo X) in netrin-1 signaling.
- To elucidate the interaction between Myo X, netrin receptors (DCC), and neogenin.
Main Methods:
- Investigated Myo X interaction with DCC and neogenin.
- Assessed the effect of Myo X expression on DCC localization using microscopy.
- Examined Myo X-mediated filopodia formation.
- Utilized mouse embryonic cortical explants and chick commissural neurons with modified Myo X expression (motor-less or silenced via miRNA) to study neurite outgrowth and axon projection.
Main Results:
- Myo X interacts with both deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) and neogenin.
- Myo X expression influences DCC localization to the cell periphery and neurite tips.
- DCC, but not neogenin, enhances Myo X-driven filopodia formation and elongation.
- Inhibition of Myo X function in neurons led to reduced neurite outgrowth and impaired axon projection in response to netrin-1.
Conclusions:
- Unconventional myosin X (Myo X) plays a novel and significant role in regulating netrin-1 function.
- Myo X is involved in controlling DCC receptor distribution and mediating downstream signaling essential for axon guidance.
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