Role of dynein-dynactin complex, kinesins, motor adaptors, and their phosphorylation in dendritogenesis

One of the characteristic features of different classes of neurons that is vital for their proper functioning within neuronal networks is the shape of their dendritic arbors. To properly develop dendritic trees, neurons need to accurately control the intracellular transport of various cellular cargo (e.g., mRNA, proteins, and organelles). Microtubules and motor proteins (e.g., dynein and kinesins) that move along microtubule tracks play an essential role in cargo sorting and transport to the most distal ends of neurons. Equally important are motor adaptors, which may affect motor activity and specify cargo that is transported by the motor. Such transport undergoes very dynamic fine-tuning in response to changes in the extracellular environment and synaptic transmission. Such regulation is achieved by the phosphorylation of motors, motor adaptors, and cargo, among other mechanisms. This review focuses on the contribution of the dynein-dynactin complex, kinesins, their adaptors, and the phosphorylation of these proteins in the formation of dendritic trees by maturing neurons. We primarily review the effects of the motor activity of these proteins in dendrites on dendritogenesis. We also discuss less anticipated mechanisms that contribute to dendrite growth, such as dynein-driven axonal transport and non-motor functions of kinesins.