UNC-16/JIP3 and UNC-76/FEZ1 limit the density of mitochondria in C. elegans neurons by maintaining the balance of anterograde and retrograde mitochondrial transport.

ABSTRACT: We investigate the role of axonal transport in regulating neuronal mitochondrial density. We show that the density of mitochondria in the touch receptor neuron (TRN) of adult Caenorhabditis elegans is constant. Mitochondrial density and transport are controlled both by the Kinesin heavy chain and the Dynein-Dynactin complex. However, unlike in other models, the presence of mitochondria in C. elegans TRNs depends on a Kinesin light chain as well. Mutants in the three C. elegans miro genes do not alter mitochondrial density in the TRNs. Mutants in the Kinesin-1 associated proteins, UNC-16/JIP3 and UNC-76/FEZ1, show increased mitochondrial density and also have elevated levels of both the Kinesin Heavy and Light Chains in neurons. Genetic analyses suggest that, the increased mitochondrial den

SUBMITTER: Sure GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5997755 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature