The dynein light chain Tctex-1 has a dynein-independent role in actin remodeling during neurite outgrowth

CHUANG, J.; YEN, T.; BOLLATI, F.; CONDE, C.; CANAVOSIO, F.; CACERES, A.; SUNG, C-H

DEVELOPMENTAL CELL

Cell Press

Lugar: Massachusetts; Año: 2005 vol. 9 p. 75 - 86

Coordinated microtubule and microfilament changes are essential for the morphological development of neurons; however, little is know about the underlying molecularmachinery linking these two cytoskeletal systems. Similarly, the indispensable role ofRhoGTPase family proteins has been demonstrated, but it is unknown how their activities are specifically regulated in different neurites. In this paper, we show that thecytoplasmic dynein light chain Tctex-1 plays a key role in multiple steps of hippocampal neuron development, including initial neurite sprouting, axonspecification, and later dendritic elaboration. The neuritogenic effects elicited by Tctex-1 are  independent from its cargo adaptor role for dynein motor transport.Finally, our data suggest that the selective high level of Tctex-1 at the growth cone of growing axons drives fast neurite extension by modulating actin dynamics and alsoRac1 activity.