The Proprotein Convertase KPC-1/Furin Controls Branching and Self-avoidance of Sensory Dendrites in Caenorhabditis elegans

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004657
• Publication Date: 2014-09-18T18:02:46Z
• Authors: Yehuda Salzberg; Nelson J. Ramirez...; Hannes E. Bülow
• Keywords: Furin; Proprotein Convertases

Animals sample their environment through sensory neurons with often elaborately branched endings named dendritic arbors. In a genetic screen for genes involved in the development of highly arborized somatosensory PVD neuron C. elegans, we have identified mutations kpc-1, which encodes homolog proprotein convertase furin. We show that kpc-1/furin is necessary to promote formation higher order branches and ensure self-avoidance sister branches, but likely not required during maintenance A reporter expressed (including PVD) can function cell-autonomously control patterning Moreover, also regulates other all major neuronal classes including aspects branching extension neurites as well cell positioning. Our data suggest these developmental functions require proteolytic activity KPC-1/furin. Recently, skin-derived MNR-1/menorin neural adhesion molecule SAX-7/L1CAM been shown act tripartite complex leucine rich transmembrane receptor DMA-1 on mechanosensory orchestrate branches. Genetic analyses pathway MNR-1/menorin, branch neurons. propose KPC-1/furin acts concert 'menorin' growth dendrites PVD.