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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Optical Control of a Neuronal Protein Using a Genetically Encoded Unnatural Amino Acid in Neurons
Published on: March 28, 2016
UNC-45A is required for neurite extension via controlling NMII activation
Yoshie Iizuka1, Ashley Mooneyham1, Andrew Sieben1
1Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
Abstract:
UNC-45A is a highly conserved member of the UNC-45/CRO1/She4p family of proteins, which act as chaperones for conventional and nonconventional myosins. NMII mediates contractility and actin-based motility, which are fundamental for proper growth cone motility and neurite extension. The presence and role of UNC-45A in neuronal differentiation have been largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that UNC-45A is a novel growth cone--localized, NMII-associated component of the multiprotein complex regulating growth cone dynamics. We show that UNC-45A is dispensable for neuron survival but required for neurite elongation. Mechanistically, loss of UNC-45A results in increased levels of NMII activation. Collectively our results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of neurite growth and define UNC-45A as a novel and master regulator of NMII-mediated cellular processes in neurons.
