Mitotic Motors Coregulate Microtubule Patterns in Axons and Dendrites

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3070-12.2012
• Publication Date: 2012-10-03T20:44:02Z
• Authors: Shen Lin; Mei Liu; Olga I. Mozgova; Wenqian Yu; Peter W. Baas
• Keywords: Kinesin; Astral microtubules

Microtubules are nearly uniformly oriented in the axons of vertebrate neurons but non-uniformly their dendrites. Studies to date suggest a scenario for establishing these microtubule patterns whereby microtubules transported into axon and nascent dendrites with plus-ends-leading, then additional opposite orientation developing Here, we used contemporary tools confirm that depletion kinesin-6 (also called CHO1/MKLP1 or kif23) from rat sympathetic causes reduction appearance minus-end-distal dendrites, which turn them assume an axon-like morphology. Interestingly, observed similar phenomenon when depleted kinesin-12 kif15 HKLP2). Both motors best known participation mitosis other cell types, both enriched body neurons. Unlike kinesin-12, is present throughout neuron, barely detectable axon. Accordingly, kinesin-6, unlike has no effect on axonal branching navigation. either motor results faster growing greater numbers mobile microtubules. Based observations, posit model two generate forces attenuate transport plus-ends-leading Some not only prevented moving driven minus-ends-leading In this manner, so-called "mitotic" coregulate