In:
eLife, eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd, Vol. 4 ( 2015-03-12)
Abstract:
There are hundreds of types of neurons, but all of them are variations on the same basic theme. Each neuron consists of a cell body, which contains the nucleus, and various structures that stick out from the cell body. These include a large number of short protrusions called dendrites, and a long thin cable-like structure called the axon. The dendrites receive incoming signals from the environment or neighboring neurons and transmit these signals to the cell body, which then relays them along the axon and on to the dendrites of the next neuron. As the brain develops, newly formed dendrites recognize and repel other dendrites belonging to the same neuron, thereby spreading themselves out to occupy a larger volume. This patterning process is called self-avoidance. At the same time, in order to repel each other, the dendrites must encounter each other in the first place, which means that they need to grow on a common substrate or surface. Soba et al. have now identified one of the proteins responsible for the self-avoidance process by studying the growth of dendrites on neurons in living fruit fly larvae. When the gene for a protein called the Ret receptor was deleted or inhibited, the dendrites that grew were shrunken and disorganized. High-resolution microscopy revealed that the dendrites were usually anchored to a scaffolding structure called the extracellular matrix, which ensured that they could only grow in two dimensions. However, when the gene for the Ret receptor did not work properly, the dendrites detached from this matrix and grew in three dimensions instead. Further experiments revealed that this detachment occurred because the Ret receptor was no longer interacting with a group of structural proteins called integrins. The Ret receptor plays a role in human disease and has previously been implicated in axon growth, but this is the first evidence to suggest that it also has a role in the patterning of dendrites. Given that Ret is present in vertebrates and has changed little over time, it is likely that this protein also helps to shape communication within the extensive networks of neurons that support complex cognitive functions in mammals.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2050-084X
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.001
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.002
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.003
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.004
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.005
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.006
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.009
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.010
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.011
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.012
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.013
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.014
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.007
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.008
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.015
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.016
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.017
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.05491.018
Language:
English
Publisher:
eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Publication Date:
2015
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2687154-3
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