The Kinesin-2 Family Member KIF3C Regulates Microtubule Dynamics and Is Required for Axon Growth and Regeneration

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5221-12.2013
• Publication Date: 2013-07-10T16:26:06Z
• Authors: L. F. Gumy; D. J. Chew; E. Tortosa; E. A. Katrukha; L. C. Kapitein; A. M. Tolkovsky; C. C. Hoogenraad; J. W. Fawcett
• Keywords: Growth cone; Kinesin; Microtubule-associated protein; Microtubule polymerization

Axon regeneration after injury requires the extensive reconstruction, reorganization, and stabilization of microtubule cytoskeleton in growth cones. Here, we identify KIF3C as a key regulator axonal by controlling dynamics organization cone. is developmentally regulated. Rat embryonic sensory axons cones contain undetectable levels protein that locally translated immediately injury. In adult neurons, axonally transported from cell body enriched at cone where it preferentially binds to tyrosinated microtubules. Functionally, interaction with EB3 necessary for its localization plus-ends Depletion neurons leads an increase stable, overgrown looped microtubules because strong decrease frequency catastrophes, suggesting functions microtubule-destabilizing factor. Adult lacking KIF3C, RNA interference or <i>KIF3C</i> gene knock-out, display impaired outgrowth <i>in vitro</i> delayed both vivo.</i> Murine knock-out grow normally but do not regenerate they are unable translate KIF3C. These data show injury-specific kinesin contributes axon regulating organizing