RHGF-1/PDZ-RhoGEF and retrograde DLK-1 signaling drive neuronal remodeling on microtubule disassembly

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1410263111
• Publication Date: 2014-10-30T23:28:44Z
• Authors: Chun-Hao Chen; Albert Lee; Chien-Po Liao; Ya-Wen Liu; Chun-Liang Pan
• Keywords: Neurite; PDZ domain; Axoplasmic transport

Significance Structural remodeling of neurons after insults to the nervous system includes retraction dysfunctional synaptic branches and growth primary neurites or new collateral branches. We find that genetic disruption neuronal microtubules in Caenorhabditis elegans triggered structural through RHGF-1/RhoGEF, which is normally associated with inhibited by microtubules. A conserved dual leucine zipper kinase, DLK-1, was activated RHGF-1-dependent signaling, DLK-1 transported from distal neurite cell body, where it potentially altered programs enabled destruction injured stimulated compensatory neurite. As microtubule, RhoGEF DLK are conserved, mechanisms described this work could be a shared feature both invertebrate vertebrate systems.