Tau and spectraplakins promote synapse formation and maintenance through Jun kinase and neuronal trafficking.

ABSTRACT: The mechanisms regulating synapse numbers during development and ageing are essential for normal brain function and closely linked to brain disorders including dementias. Using Drosophila, we demonstrate roles of the microtubule-associated protein Tau in regulating synapse numbers, thus unravelling an important cellular requirement of normal Tau. In this context, we find that Tau displays a strong functional overlap with microtubule-binding spectraplakins, establishing new links between two different neurodegenerative factors. Tau and the spectraplakin Short Stop act upstream of a three-step regulatory cascade ensuring adequate delivery of synaptic proteins. This cascade involves microtubule stability as the initial trigger, JNK signalling as the central mediator, and kinesin-3 mediated ax

SUBMITTER: Voelzmann A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4977155 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature