CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Abstract Neurons are highly polarized cells that present structural and functional asymmetries generated and supported by the cytoskeleton and by the selective, active and constant transport of materials from the Golgi apparatus to their final destinations, which are fundamental for the maintenance of cellular morphology and its correct functioning. In the majority of mammal cells, the Golgi apparatus consists of a stacked array of cisternae and connecting tubules/vesicles located in the perinuclear area close to the microtubule-organizing center. In neurons, this arrangement of membrane is partially different since not only consists of the pericentriolar membrane array found in most cell types but also includes discrete structures dispersed in dendrites termed Golgi outposts. These structures demonstrate the existence of a new platform in membrane traffic and segregation within dendrites. Previous studies from our laboratory and others have involved LIMK1 and PKD1 in the regulation of Golgi dynamics and post Golgi trafficking. In addition, recent studies have shown that BARS protein controls the fission/formation of transport carriers. Given the importance of these structures, and that their biogenesis and maintenance are poorly understood; we proposed to study the role of PKD1, LIMK1 and BARS proteins in the generation and distribution of Golgi outposts in hippocampal neurons dendrites. In accordance with the observations presented here we can conclude that: (a) LIMK1 regulates the formation of Golgi posts from the somatic Golgi apparatus, (b) Normal activity of PKD1/BARS also has a role in regulating the number of Golgi posts in dendrites of developing neurons. Presentación poster.