Analysis on the centrosomal functions of neural dendrites - microtubule nucleation and minus-end anchoring

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K07083
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Nerve anatomy/Neuropathology
• Research Institution: Sophia University
• Principal Investigator: HAYASHI Kensuke 上智大学, 理工学部, 教授 (50218567)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 脳の発達 / 神経細胞 / 樹状突起 / 微小管

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Microtubules must increase in number for dendrite growth. The centrosome of a neuron lacks the ability to form microtubules, and it has been unclear where microtubules are produced in neurons. In this study, we showed that microtubules are nucleated in the cytoplasm in neurons. Furthermore, we found a neuron-specific alternative splicing isoform of CDK5RAP2, as a protein that activates microtubule formation in the cytoplasm of neurons. In cells expressing this isoform, microtubule formation was induced in the cytoplasm. These results indicate that selective splicing of CDK5RAP2 is involved in the increase of microtubules in developing neurons.

Free Research Field

細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脳の発達に必要な、神経細胞の樹状突起の成長をコントロールする新しい仕組みが明らかになった。この仕組みを応用して、脳の機能発達に介入するあたらしい技術の開発への道を開いた。