Transcription factor Pebbled/RREB1 regulates injury-induced axon degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Genetic studies of Wallerian degeneration have led to the identification of signaling molecules (e.g., dSarm/Sarm1, Axundead, and Highwire) that function locally in axons to drive degeneration. Here we identify a role for the Drosophila C₂H₂ zinc finger transcription factor Pebbled [Peb, Ras-responsive element binding protein 1 (RREB1) in mammals] in axon death. Loss of Peb in Drosophila glutamatergic sensory neurons results in either complete preservation of severed axons, or an axon death phenotype where axons fragment into large, continuous segments, rather than completely disintegrate. Peb is expressed in developing and mature sensory neurons, suggesting it is required to establish or maintain their competence to undergo axon death. peb mutant

SUBMITTER: Farley JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5819420 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature