Abl tyrosine kinase promotes dendrogenesis by inducing actin cytoskeletal rearrangements in cooperation with Rho family small GTPases in hippocampal neurons.

ABSTRACT: Nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Abl is an actin-binding protein and a key regulator of neuronal axonal development. Although Abl family kinases also are localized in dendrites and are implicated in postsynaptic functions, it is not clear how Abl kinases regulate dendritic morphogenesis. Using a developing hippocampal culture as a model, we found that the inhibition of Abl kinases by STI571 leads to a remarkable simplification of dendritic branching similar to the phenotype caused by an increased activity of small GTPase RhoA. Time-lapse microscopic imaging reveals a prominent reduction of dendritic branching. In contrast, neurons expressing a constitutively active v-abl construct (CA-Abl) show an exuberant microtubule-associated protein 2-positive (MAP2-positive) dendrite outgrowth, suggesting

SUBMITTER: Jones SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6729913 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature