Ataxin-2 is essential for cytoskeletal dynamics and neurodevelopment in Drosophila
In: iScience, Jg. 25 (2022), Heft 1
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Zugriff:
Summary Ataxin-2 (Atx2) is a highly conserved RNA binding protein. Atx2 undergoes polyglutamine expansion leading to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). However, the physiological functions of Atx2 in neurons remain unknown. Here, using the powerful genetics of Drosophila, we show that Atx2 is essential for normal neuronal cytoskeletal dynamics and organelle trafficking. Upon neuron-specific Atx2 loss, the microtubule and actin networks were abnormally stabilized and cargo transport was drastically inhibited. Depletion of Atx2 caused multiple morphological defects in the nervous system of third instar larvae. These include reduced brain size, impaired axon development, and decreased dendrite outgrowth. Defects in the nervous system caused loss of the ability to crawl and lethality at the pupal stage. Taken together, these data mark Atx2 as a major regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics and denote Atx2 as an essential gene in neurodevelopment, as well as a neurodegenerative factor.
Graphical abstract
Highlights • Atx2 is a major regulator of the cytoskeleton in neurons • Atx2 is responsible for maintaining dynamic cytoskeletal networks • Atx2 depletion in the Drosophila larval CNS severely impairs organelle transport • Atx2 is necessary for correct neurite outgrowth and CNS development in Drosophila
Biological sciences; Neuroscience; Developmental neuroscience; Cellular neuroscience; Cell biology; Developmental biology
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Ataxin-2 is essential for cytoskeletal dynamics and neurodevelopment in Drosophila
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Autor/in / Beteiligte Person: | Urko del Castillo ; Serpinskaya, Anna S. ; Lu, Wen ; Norkett, Rosalind ; Gelfand, Vladimir I. |
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Zeitschrift: | iScience, Jg. 25 (2022), Heft 1 |
Veröffentlichung: | Elsevier, 2022 |
Medientyp: | unknown |
ISSN: | 2589-0042 (print) |
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