Dynactin is essential for growth cone advance

Takako K. Abe, Takao Honda, Kohtaro Takei, Katsuhiko Mikoshiba, Diane Hoffman-Kim, Daniel G. Jay, Ryozo Kuwano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Dynactin is a multi-subunit complex that serves as a critical cofactor of the microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein. We previously identified dynactin in the nerve growth cone. However, the function of dynactin in the growth cone is still unclear. Here we show that dynactin in the growth cone is required for constant forward movement of the growth cone. Chromophore-assisted laser inactivation (CALI) of dynamitin, a dynactin subunit, within the growth cone markedly decreases the rate of growth cone advance. CALI of dynamitin in vitro dissociates another dynactin subunit, p150Glued, from dynamitin. These results indicate that dynactin, especially the interaction between dynamitin and p150Glued, plays an essential role in growth cone advance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)418-422
Number of pages5
JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Volume372
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008 Aug 1
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Axon guidance
  • CALI (chromophore-assisted laser inactivation)
  • Dynactin
  • Growth cone motility
  • Neurite extension

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dynactin is essential for growth cone advance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this