Pavarotti/MKLP1 regulates microtubule sliding and neurite outgrowth in Drosophila neurons.

ABSTRACT: Recently, we demonstrated that kinesin-1 can slide microtubules against each other, providing the mechanical force required for initial neurite extension in Drosophila neurons. This sliding is only observed in young neurons actively forming neurites and is dramatically downregulated in older neurons. The downregulation is not caused by the global shutdown of kinesin-1, as the ability of kinesin-1 to transport membrane organelles is not diminished in mature neurons, suggesting that microtubule sliding is regulated by a dedicated mechanism. Here, we have identified the "mitotic" kinesin-6 Pavarotti (Pav-KLP) as an inhibitor of kinesin-1-driven microtubule sliding. Depletion of Pav-KLP in neurons strongly stimulated the sliding of long microtubules and neurite outgrowth, while its ectopic ove

SUBMITTER: Del Castillo U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4302008 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature