Microtubule plus-end tracking protein CLASP2 regulates neuronal polarity and synaptic function.

ABSTRACT: Microtubule organization and dynamics are essential during axon and dendrite formation and maintenance in neurons. However, little is known about the regulation of microtubule dynamics during synaptic development and function in mammalian neurons. Here, we present evidence that the microtubule plus-end tracking protein CLASP2 (cytoplasmic linker associated protein 2) is a key regulator of axon and dendrite outgrowth that leads to functional alterations in synaptic activity and formation. We found that CLASP2 protein levels steadily increase throughout neuronal development in the mouse brain and are specifically enriched at the growth cones of extending neurites. The short-hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of CLASP2 in primary mouse neurons decreased axon and dendritic length, whereas overexpr

SUBMITTER: Beffert U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3489028 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature