Doublecortin associates with microtubules preferentially in regions of the axon displaying actin-rich protrusive structures.

ABSTRACT: Here we studied doublecortin (DCX) in cultured hippocampal and sympathetic neurons during axonal development. In both types of neurons, DCX is abundant in the growth cone, in which it primarily localizes with microtubules. Its abundance is lowest on microtubules in the neck region of the growth cone and highest on microtubules extending into the actin-rich lamellar regions. Interestingly, the microtubule polymer richest in DCX is also deficient in tau. In hippocampal neurons but not sympathetic neurons, discrete focal patches of microtubules rich in DCX and deficient in tau are present along the axonal shaft. Invariably, these patches have actin-rich protrusions resembling those of growth cones. Many of the DCX/actin filament patches exhibit vigorous protrusive activity and also undergo a

SUBMITTER: Tint I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2757270 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature