Golgi outposts shape dendrite morphology by functioning as sites of acentrosomal microtubule nucleation in neurons.

ABSTRACT: Microtubule nucleation is essential for proper establishment and maintenance of axons and dendrites. Centrosomes, the primary site of nucleation in most cells, lose their function as microtubule organizing centers during neuronal development. How neurons generate acentrosomal microtubules remains unclear. Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons lack centrosomes and therefore provide a model system to study acentrosomal microtubule nucleation. Here, we investigate the origin of microtubules within the elaborate dendritic arbor of class IV da neurons. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro techniques, we find that Golgi outposts can directly nucleate microtubules throughout the arbor. This acentrosomal nucleation requires gamma-tubulin and CP309, the Drosophila homolog of AKAP450

SUBMITTER: Ori-McKenney KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3523279 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature