[Molecular mechanisms of neuronal polarity]

Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi. 2005 Aug;25(4):169-74.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Neurons are one of the most highly polarized cells known and are comprised of two structurally and functionally distinct parts, an axon and dendrites. The specification of the axon is thought to depend on its length relative to the other minor processes, which are called immature neurites. Elongation of one of immature neurites is necessary for axon specification. We previously showed that collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2) is critical for specifying axon/dendrite fate, possibly by promoting neurite elongation via microtubule assembly. Here, we showed that glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) phosphorylated CRMP-2 at Thr-514 and inactivated it. The expression of the nonphosphorylated form of CRMP-2 or inhibition of GSK-3beta induced the formation of multiple axons in hippocampal neurons. The expression of constitutively active GSK-3beta impaired neuronal polarization, whereas the nonphosphorylated form of CRMP-2 counteracted the inhibitory effects of GSK-3beta, indicating that GSK-3beta regulates neuronal polarity through the phosphorylation of CRMP-2. We here reviewed the molecular mechanisms of the axon formation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology
  • Cell Polarity / physiology*
  • Dendrites / physiology
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / physiology
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / physiology
  • Phosphorylation

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • collapsin response mediator protein-2
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3