ADF/Cofilin-Mediated Actin Retrograde Flow Directs Neurite Formation in the Developing Brain

作者:Flynn Kevin C; Hellal Farida; Neukirchen Dorothee; Jacob Sonja; Tahirovic Sabina; Dupraz Sebastian; Stem Sina; Garvalov Boyan K; Gurniak Christine; Shaw Alisa E; Meyn Liane; Wedlich Soeldner Roland; Bamburg James R; Small J Victor; Witke Walter; Bradke Frank*
来源:Neuron, 2012, 76(6): 1091-1107.
DOI:10.1016/j.neuron.2012.09.038

摘要

Neurites are the characteristic structural element of neurons that will initiate brain connectivity and elaborate information. Early in development, neurons are spherical cells but this symmetry is broken through the initial formation of neurites. This fundamental step is thought to rely on actin and microtubule dynamics. However, it is unclear which aspects of the complex actin behavior control neuritogenesis and which molecular mechanisms are involved. Here, we demonstrate that augmented actin retrograde flow and protrusion dynamics facilitate neurite formation. Our data indicate that a single family of actin regulatory proteins, ADF/Cofilin, provides the required control of actin retrograde flow and dynamics to form neurites. In particular, the F-actin severing activity of ADF/Cofilin organizes space for the protrusion and bundling of microtubules, the backbone of neurites. Our data reveal how ADF/Cofilin organizes the cytoskeleton to drive actin retrograde flow and thus break the spherical shape of neurons.

  • 出版日期2012-12-20