Cytoplasmic linker proteins regulate neuronal polarization through microtubule and growth cone dynamics.

CLIPs regulate neuronal polarization through microtubule and growth cone dynamics

Xenopus cytoplasmic linker–associated protein 1 (XCLASP1) promotes axon elongation and advance of pioneer microtubules

Dynamic microtubules (MTs) are required for neuronal guidance, in which axons extend directionally toward their target tissues. We found that depletion of the MT-binding protein Xenopus cytoplasmic linker-associated protein 1 (XCLASP1) or treatment with the MT drug Taxol reduced axon outgrowth in spinal cord neurons. To quantify the dynamic distribution of MTs in axons, we developed an automate...

Spatial and temporal sensing limits of microtubule polarization in neuronal growth cones by intracellular gradients and forces.

Neuronal growth cones are the most sensitive among eukaryotic cells in responding to directional chemical cues. Although a dynamic microtubule cytoskeleton has been shown to be essential for growth-cone turning, the precise nature of coupling of the spatial cue with microtubule polarization is less understood. Here we present a computational model of microtubule polarization in a turning neuron...

Visualization of microtubule growth in cultured neurons via the use of EB3-GFP (end-binding protein 3-green fluorescent protein).

Several microtubule binding proteins, including CLIP-170 (cytoplasmic linker protein-170), CLIP-115, and EB1 (end-binding protein 1), have been shown to associate specifically with the ends of growing microtubules in non-neuronal cells, thereby regulating microtubule dynamics and the binding of microtubules to protein complexes, organelles, and membranes. When fused to GFP (green fluorescent pr...

Collapsin response mediator protein 4 regulates growth cone dynamics through the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton.

Coordinated control of the growth cone cytoskeleton underlies axon extension and guidance. Members of the collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP) family of cytosolic phosphoproteins regulate the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton, but their roles in regulating growth cone dynamics remain largely unexplored. Here, we examine how CRMP4 regulates the growth cone cytoskeleton. Hippocampal neuron...