Novel function of PIWIL1 in neuronal polarization and migration via regulation of microtubule-associated proteins.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Young neurons in the developing brain establish a polarized morphology for proper migration. The PIWI family of piRNA processing proteins are considered to be restrictively expressed in germline tissues and several types of cancer cells. They play important roles in spermatogenesis, stem cell maintenance, piRNA biogenesis, and transposon silencing. Interestingly a recent study showed that de novo mutations of PIWI family members are strongly associated with autism.

Results

Here, we report that PIWI-like 1 (PIWIL1), a PIWI family member known to be essential for the transition of round spermatid into elongated spermatid, plays a role in the polarization and radial migration of newborn neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. Knocking down PIWIL1 in newborn cortic

SUBMITTER: Zhao PP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4477296 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature