A novel role for doublecortin and doublecortin-like kinase in regulating growth cone microtubules.

ABSTRACT: Doublecortin (DCX) and doublecortin-like kinase (DCLK), closely related family members, are microtubule-associated proteins with overlapping functions in both neuronal migration and axonal outgrowth. In growing axons, these proteins appear to have their primary functions in the growth cone. Here, we used siRNA to deplete these proteins from cultured rat sympathetic neurons. Normally, microtubules in the growth cone exhibit a gently curved contour as they extend from the base of the cone toward its periphery. However, following depletion of DCX and DCLK, microtubules throughout the growth cone become much more curvy, with many microtubules exhibiting multiple prominent bends over relatively short distances, creating a configuration that we termed wave-like folds. Microtubules with these fol

SUBMITTER: Jean DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3516135 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature