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Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
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Microtubule depolymerization contributes to spontaneous neurotransmitter release in vitro.

Cecilia D Velasco1,2, Rachel Santarella-Mellwig3, Martin Schorb3

  • 1Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.

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Summary

Microtubules in presynaptic terminals regulate neurotransmitter release. Disrupting microtubule dynamics increases spontaneous release and impairs synaptic vesicle replenishment.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microtubules are crucial for neuronal functions, including organelle transport.
  • The precise role of microtubules in neurotransmitter release remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of microtubule dynamics on neurotransmission.
  • To determine how microtubule growth and shrinkage influence spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized photoactivation of SBTub3 to induce synchronous microtubule depolymerization.
  • Introduced Kif18A and stathmin-1 via dialysis to alter microtubule stability.
  • Examined synaptic vesicle pools and endocytic activity in presynaptic terminals.

Main Results:

  • Microtubule depolymerization increased spontaneous neurotransmitter release.
  • Kif18A inhibited the refilling of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles.
  • Increased exo-endocytic events and endosome formation were observed with Kif18A.

Conclusions:

  • Microtubules restrict spontaneous neurotransmitter release at synapses.
  • Microtubule stability is essential for efficient synaptic vesicle pool replenishment.