Activation of microtubule dynamics increases neuronal growth via the nerve growth factor (NGF)- and Gαs-mediated signaling pathways.

ABSTRACT: Signals that activate the G protein Gαs and promote neuronal differentiation evoke Gαs internalization in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. These agents also significantly increase Gαs association with microtubules, resulting in an increase in microtubule dynamics because of the activation of tubulin GTPase by Gαs. To determine the function of Gαs/microtubule association in neuronal development, we used real-time trafficking of a GFP-Gαs fusion protein. GFP-Gαs concentrates at the distal end of the neurites in differentiated living PC12 cells as well as in cultured hippocampal neurons. Gαs translocates to specialized membrane compartments at tips of growing neurites. A dominant-negative Gα chimera that interferes with Gαs binding to tubulin and activation of tubulin GTPase attenuates neur

SUBMITTER: Sarma T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4400321 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature