RhoA-kinase and myosin II are required for the maintenance of growth cone polarity and guidance by nerve growth factor.

ABSTRACT: Growth cones are highly polarized and dynamic structures confined to the tips of axons. The polarity of growth cones is in part maintained by suppression of protrusive activity from the distal axon shaft, a process termed axon consolidation. The mechanistic basis of axon consolidation that contributes to the maintenance of growth cone polarity is not clear. We report that inhibition of RhoA-kinase (ROCK) or myosin II resulted in unstable consolidation of the distal axon as evidenced by increased filopodial and lamellipodial extension. Furthermore, when ROCK or myosin II was inhibited lamellipodia formed at the growth cone migrated onto the axon shaft. Analysis of EYFP-actin dynamics in the distal axon revealed that ROCK negatively regulates actin polymerization and initiation of protrusive

SUBMITTER: Loudon RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1525020 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature