Dynactin subunit p150(Glued) is a neuron-specific anti-catastrophe factor.

ABSTRACT: Regulation of microtubule dynamics in neurons is critical, as defects in the microtubule-based transport of axonal organelles lead to neurodegenerative disease. The microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein and its partner complex dynactin drive retrograde transport from the distal axon. We have recently shown that the p150(Glued) subunit of dynactin promotes the initiation of dynein-driven cargo motility from the microtubule plus-end. Because plus end-localized microtubule-associated proteins like p150(Glued) may also modulate the dynamics of microtubules, we hypothesized that p150(Glued) might promote cargo initiation by stabilizing the microtubule track. Here, we demonstrate in vitro using assembly assays and TIRF microscopy, and in primary neurons using live-cell imaging, that p150(Glued) i

SUBMITTER: Lazarus JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3712912 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature