Suppression of kinesin expression in cultured hippocampal neurons using antisense oligonucleotides

Neuronal polarity: from extracellular signals to intracellular mechanisms

After they are born and differentiate, neurons break their previous symmetry, dramatically change their shape, and establish two structurally and functionally distinct compartments - axons and dendrites - within one cell. How do neurons develop their morphologically and molecularly distinct compartments? Recent studies have implicated several signalling pathways evoked by extracellular signals as having essential roles in a number of aspects of neuronal polarization.

Subcellular Trafficking of the Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Family and Its Pathogenic Role in Alzheimer’s Disease

Changes in the intracellular transport of amyloid precursor protein (APP) affect the extent to which APP is exposed to alpha- or beta-secretase in a common subcellular compartment and therefore directly influence the degree to which APP undergoes the amyloidogenic pathway leading to generation of beta-amyloid. As the presynaptic regions of neurons are thought to be the main source of beta-amyloid in the brain, attention has been focused on axonal APP trafficking. APP is transported along axons by a fast, kinesin-dependent anterograde transport mechanism. Despite the wealth of in vivo and in vitro data that have accumulated regarding the connection of APP to kinesin transport, it is not yet clear if APP is coupled to its specific motor protein via an intracellular interaction partner, such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase-interacting protein, or by yet another unknown molecular mechanism. The cargo proteins that form a functional complex with APP are also unknown. Due to the long lifespan, and vast extent, of neurons, in particular axons, neurons are highly sensitive to changes in subcellular transport. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that variations in APP or tau affect mitochondrial and synaptic vesicle transport. Further, it was shown that this axonal dysfunction might lead to impaired synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for neuronal viability and function. Thus, changes in APP and tau expression may cause perturbed axonal transport and changes in APP processing, contributing to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Do axonal defects in tau and amyloid precursor protein transgenic animals model axonopathy in Alzheimer's disease?

The subcellular localization of organelles, mRNAs and proteins is particularly challenging in neurons. Owing to their extended morphology, with axons in humans exceeding a meter in length, in addition to which they are not renewed but persist for the entire lifespan, it is no surprise that neurons are highly vulnerable to any perturbation of their sophisticated transport machinery. There is emerging evidence that impaired transport is not only causative for a range of motor disorders, but possibly also for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. Support for this hypothesis comes from transgenic animal models. Overexpression of human tau and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in mice and flies models the key hallmark histopathological characteristics of AD, such as somatodendritic accumulation of phosphorylated forms of tau and beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide-containing amyloid plaques, as well as axonopathy. The latter has also been demonstrated in mutant mice with altered levels of Alzheimer-associated genes, such as presenilin (PS). In Abeta-producing APP transgenic mice, axonopathy was observed before the onset of plaque formation and tau hyperphosphorylation. In human AD brain, an axonopathy was revealed for early but not late Braak stages. The overall picture is that key players in AD, such as tau, APP and PS, perturb axonal transport early on in AD, causing impaired synaptic plasticity and reducing survival rates. It will be challenging to determine the molecular mechanisms of these different axonopathies, as this might assist in the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Regulators of kinesin involved in polarized trafficking and axon outgrowth

Proteins such as UNC-76 that associate with kinesin motors are important in directing neurite extension. A small Caenorhabditis elegans coiled-coil protein, UNC-69, has now been shown to interact with UNC-76 and to be involved in axonal (but not dendritic) transport and outgrowth, as well as synapse formation.

Molecular Basis of Dystrobrevin Interaction with Kinesin Heavy Chain: Structural Determinants of their Binding

Dystrobrevins are a family of widely expressed dystrophin-associated proteins that comprises alpha and beta isoforms and displays significant sequence homology with several protein-binding domains of the dystrophin C-terminal region. The complex distribution of the multiple dystrobrevin isoforms suggests that the variability of their composition may be important in mediating their function. We have recently identified kinesin as a novel dystrobrevin-interacting protein and localized the dystrobrevin-binding site on the cargo-binding domain of neuronal kinesin heavy chain (Kif5A). In the present study, we assessed the kinetics of the dystrobrevin-Kif5A interaction by quantitative pull-down assay and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis and found that beta-dystrobrevin binds to kinesin with high affinity (K(D) approximately 40 nM). Comparison of the sensorgrams obtained with alpha and beta-dystrobrevin at the same concentration of analyte showed a lower affinity of alpha compared to that of beta-dystrobrevin, despite their functional domain homology and about 70% sequence identity. Analysis of the contribution of single dystrobrevin domains to the interaction revealed that the deletion of either the ZZ domain or the coiled-coil region decreased the kinetics of the interaction, suggesting that the tertiary structure of dystrobrevin may play a role in regulating the interaction of dystrobrevin with kinesin. In order to understand if structural changes induced by post-translational modifications could affect dystrobrevin affinity for kinesin, we phosphorylated beta-dystrobrevin in vitro and found that it showed reduced binding capacity towards kinesin. The interaction between the adaptor/scaffolding protein dystrobrevin and the motor protein kinesin may play a role in the transport and targeting of components of the dystrophin-associated protein complex to specific sites in the cell, with the differences in the binding properties of dystrobrevin isoforms reflecting their functional diversity within the same cell type. Phosphorylation events could have a regulatory role in this context.

CRMP-2 is involved in kinesin-1-dependent transport of the Sra-1/WAVE1 complex and axon formation

A neuron has two types of highly polarized cell processes, the single axon and multiple dendrites. One of the fundamental questions of neurobiology is how neurons acquire such specific and polarized morphologies. During neuronal development, various actin-binding proteins regulate dynamics of actin cytoskeleton in the growth cones of developing axons. The regulation of actin cytoskeleton in the growth cones is thought to be involved in axon outgrowth and axon-dendrite specification. However, it is largely unknown which actin-binding proteins are involved in axon-dendrite specification and how they are transported into the developing axons. We have previously reported that collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) plays a critical role in axon outgrowth and axon-dendrite specification (N. Inagaki, K. Chihara, N. Arimura, C. Menager, Y. Kawano, N. Matsuo, T. Nishimura, M. Amano, and K. Kaibuchi, Nat. Neurosci. 4:781-782, 2001). Here, we found that CRMP-2 interacted with the specifically Rac1-associated protein 1 (Sra-1)/WASP family verprolin-homologous protein 1 (WAVE1) complex, which is a regulator of actin cytoskeleton. The knockdown of Sra-1 and WAVE1 by RNA interference canceled CRMP-2-induced axon outgrowth and multiple-axon formation in cultured hippocampal neurons. We also found that CRMP-2 interacted with the light chain of kinesin-1 and linked kinesin-1 to the Sra-1/WAVE1 complex. The knockdown of CRMP-2 and kinesin-1 delocalized Sra-1 and WAVE1 from the growth cones of axons. These results suggest that CRMP-2 transports the Sra-1/WAVE1 complex to axons in a kinesin-1-dependent manner and thereby regulates axon outgrowth and formation.

GRIP1 controls dendrite morphogenesis by regulating EphB receptor trafficking

The function of the multi-PDZ domain scaffold protein GRIP1 (glutamate receptor interacting protein 1) in neurons is unclear. To explore the function of GRIP1 in hippocampal neurons, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down the expression of GRIP1. Knockdown of GRIP1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in cultured hippocampal neurons caused a loss of dendrites, associated with mislocalization of the GRIP-interacting proteins GIuR2 (AMPA receptor subunit), EphB2 (receptor tyrosine kinase) and KIF5 (also known as kinesin 1; microtubule motor). The loss of dendrites by GRIP1-siRNA was rescued by overexpression of the extracellular domain of EphB2, and was phenocopied by overexpression of the intracellular domain of EphB2 and extracellular application of ephrinB-Fc fusion proteins. Neurons from EphB1-EphB2-EphB3 triple knockout mice showed abnormal dendrite morphogenesis. Disruption of the KIF5-GRIP1 interaction inhibited EphB2 trafficking and strongly impaired dendritic growth. These results indicate an important role for GRIP1 in dendrite morphogenesis by serving as an adaptor protein for kinesin-dependent transport of EphB receptors to dendrites.

The development of a long, coiled, optic nerve in the stalk-eyed fly Cyrtodiopsis whitei

In the stalk-eyed fly Cyrtodiopsis whitei (Diopsidae; Diptera), the relatively long optic nerve develops within the tight lumen of a very short eyestalk. Axonal growth is generally considered in terms of path finding, selective fasciculation, and towing. Physical forces that are necessary for axon lengthening are generated either by the growth cone or by the growth of surrounding tissues. Therefore, it is surprising to encounter a loosely coiled nerve apparently lacking any attachments that could allow for pull, or towing, of the nerve. In this study, we used histological sections and whole-mount preparations to confirm that the optic nerve of the stalk-eyed fly indeed elongates without the external application of tension to the nerve. Secondly, we examined the distribution of cytoskeletal elements and selected proteins that may be involved in axon extension. Staining against the vesicle fusion proteins SNAP-24 and SNAP-25 consistently results in stronger staining in the rapidly extending optic nerve than in a control nerve, suggesting a possible role of these proteins in the extension process. On a gross morphological level, SNAP-24/25 as well as the cytoskeletal elements actin and tubulin are uniformly distributed throughout the lengths of the growing nerve, suggesting that nerve elongation is distributed rather than localized. Finally, we identified glia as a possible source for tension within the nerve bundle. Glia proliferate rapidly in the optic nerve but not in the control nerve. Much work continues to focus on the growth of axons in culture, but this study is one of the few that considers the dynamics of nerve bundle extension as a whole.

Tubulin and CRMP-2 complex is transported via Kinesin-1

The transport of tubulin and microtubules in a growing axon is essential for axonal growth and maintenance. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the linkage of tubulin and microtubules to motor proteins is not yet clear. Collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2) is enriched at the distal part of growing axons in primary hippocampal neurons and plays a critical role in axon differentiation through its interaction with tubulin dimer and Numb. In this study, we show that CRMP-2 regulates tubulin transport by linking tubulin and Kinesin-1. The C-terminal region of CRMP-2 directly binds to the tetratricopeptide repeat domain of kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1). Soluble tubulin binds to the middle of CRMP-2 and forms a trimeric complex with CRMP-2/KLC1. Furthermore, the movement of GFP-tubulin in the photobleached area is weakened by knockdown of KLCs or CRMP-2. These results indicate that the CRMP-2/Kinesin-1 complex regulates soluble tubulin transport to the distal part of the growing axon.

A kinesin medley: biochemical and functional heterogeneity

Over the past decade, a remarkable number and diversity of molecular motors have been described in eukaryotic cells. In addition to the identification of novel forms of myosin and dynein, the kinesins have been defined as an entirely new family of molecular motors. There may be as many as 30 different genes in a single organism encoding members of the kinesin superfamily. Why is such diversity in molecular motors needed? The biochemical and functional diversity of the originally defined form of kinesin provides some insights into the roles of molecular motors in cellular dynamics.

Organelle transport along microtubules - the role of KIFs

Organelle transporters are very important for cellular morphogenesis and other cellular functions, conveying and targeting important materials to the correct destination, often at considerable velocities. One of the first proteins to be identified as a motor was kinesin, and recently at least 10 new kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) have been described. Characterization of some of them reveals that each member can convey a specific organelle or cargo, although there is some redundancy. It has also become clear that there are distinct subclasses of KIFs that form monomeric, heterodimeric and homodimeric motors. Here, Nobutaka Hirokawa reviews what is known about the kinesin superfamily and discusses how a study of the different types of motors is helping to elucidate the mechanism of mechanical force generation.

Nerve Ending “Signal” Proteins GAP‐43, MARCKS, and BASP1

Mechanisms of growth cone pathfinding in the course of neuronal net formation as well as mechanisms of learning and memory have been under intense investigation for the past 20 years, but many aspects of these phenomena remain unresolved and even mysterious. "Signal" proteins accumulated mainly in the axon endings (growth cones and the presynaptic area of synapses) participate in the main brain processes. These proteins are similar in several essential structural and functional properties. The most prominent similarities are N-terminal fatty acylation and the presence of an "effector domain" (ED) that dynamically binds to the plasma membrane, to calmodulin, and to actin fibrils. Reversible phosphorylation of ED by protein kinase C modulates these interactions. However, together with similarities, there are significant differences among the proteins, such as different conditions (Ca2+ contents) for calmodulin binding and different modes of interaction with the actin cytoskeleton. In light of these facts, we consider GAP-43, MARCKS, and BASP1 both separately and in conjunction. Special attention is devoted to a discussion of apparent inconsistencies in results and opinions of different authors concerning specific questions about the structure of proteins and their interactions.

The ribosome receptor, p180, interacts with kinesin heavy chain, KIF5B

The conventional microtubule-dependent motor protein kinesin consists of heavy and light chains both of which have been documented to bind a variety of potential linker or cargo proteins. In this study we employed a yeast two-hybrid assay to identify additional binding partners of the kinesin heavy chain isoform KIF5B. A human brain cDNA library was screened with a bait corresponding to amino acid residues 814-963 of human KIF5B. This screen identified the ribosome receptor, p180, as a KIF5B-binding protein. The sites of interaction are residues 1294-1413 of p180 and the C-terminal half of the cargo binding-domain of KIF5B (residues 867-907). The KIF5B-binding site in p180 is homologous to the previously determined KIF5B-binding site in kinectin. The interacting regions of p180 and KIF5B consist almost entirely of heptad repeats, suggesting the interaction is a coiled-coil. A role for the kinesin/p180 interaction may include mRNA localization and/or transport of endoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicles.

Dendritic guidance

Like axons, dendrites need guidance for proper orientation and positioning within the brain. Guidance determines synaptic connectivity as well as the strength of transmission. Recent in vivo studies have demonstrated that several cell-surface receptors, previously known as axon guidance molecules, are also responsible for the directed outgrowth of dendrites. Collectively, these studies reveal that the function of guidance molecules in individual neurons and individual processes is diverse and likely to be specifically regulated. Here, these studies are reviewed and emerging issues and implications are discussed.

The early onset dystonia protein torsinA interacts with kinesin light chain 1

Early onset dystonia is a movement disorder caused by loss of a glutamic acid residue (Glu(302/303)) in the carboxyl-terminal portion of the AAA+ protein, torsinA. We identified the light chain subunit (KLC1) of kinesin-I as an interacting partner for torsinA, with binding occurring between the tetratricopeptide repeat domain of KLC1 and the carboxyl-terminal region of torsinA. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that wild-type torsinA and kinesin-I form a complex in vivo. In cultured cortical neurons, both proteins co-localized along processes with enrichment at growth cones. Wild-type torsinA expressed in CAD cells co-localized with endogenous KLC1 at the distal end of processes, whereas mutant torsinA remained confined to the cell body. Subcellular fractionation of adult rat brain revealed torsinA and KLC associated with cofractionating membranes, and both proteins were co-immunoprecipitated after cross-linking cytoplasmically oriented proteins on isolated rat brain membranes. These studies suggest that wild-type torsinA undergoes anterograde transport along microtubules mediated by kinesin and may act as a molecular chaperone regulating kinesin activity and/or cargo binding.

Molecular motor proteins of the kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs): structure, cargo and disease

Intracellular organelle transport is essential for morphogenesis and functioning of the cell. Kinesins and kinesin-related proteins make up a large superfamily of molecular motors that transport cargoes such as vesicles, organelles (e.g. mitochondria, peroxisomes, lysosomes), protein complexes (e.g. elements of the cytoskeleton, virus particles), and mRNAs in a microtubule- and ATP-dependent manner in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Until now, more than 45 kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) have been identified in the mouse and human genomes. Elucidating the transport pathways mediated by kinesins, the identities of the cargoes moved, and the nature of the proteins that link kinesin motors to cargoes are areas of intense investigation. This review focuses on the structure, the binding partners of kinesins and kinesin-based human diseases.

Kinesin dependent, rapid, bi-directional transport of ER sub-compartment in dendrites of hippocampal neurons

Although spatially restricted Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through intracellular Ca2+ channels plays important roles in various neuronal activities, the accurate distribution and dynamics of ER in the dendrite of living neurons still remain unknown. To elucidate these, we expressed fluorescent protein-tagged ER proteins in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, and monitored their movements using time-lapse microscopy. We report here that a sub-compartment of ER forms in relatively large vesicles that are capable, similarly to the reticular ER, of taking up and releasing Ca2+. The vesicular sub-compartment of ER moved rapidly along the dendrites in both anterograde and retrograde directions at a velocity of 0.2-0.3 μm/second. Depletion of microtubules, overexpression of dominant-negative kinesin and kinesin depletion by antisense DNA reduced the number and velocity of the moving vesicles, suggesting that kinesin may drive the transport of the vesicular sub-compartment of ER along microtubules in the dendrite. Rapid transport of the Ca2+-releasable sub-compartment of ER might contribute to rapid supply of fresh ER proteins to the distal part of the dendrite, or to the spatial regulation of intracellular Ca2+ signaling.

Microtubules provide directional cues for polarized axonal transport through interaction with kinesin motor head

Post-Golgi carriers of various newly synthesized axonal membrane proteins, which possess kinesin (KIF5)-driven highly processive motility, were transported from the TGN directly to axons. We found that KIF5 has a preference to the microtubules in the initial segment of axon. Low dose paclitaxel treatment caused missorting of KIF5, as well as axonal membrane proteins to the tips of dendrites. Microtubules in the initial segment of axons showed a remarkably high affinity to EB1-YFP, which was known to bind the tips of growing microtubules. These findings revealed unique features of the microtubule cytoskeletons in the initial segment, and suggested that they provide directional information for polarized axonal transport.

Active transport of the survival motor neuron protein and the role of exon-7 in cytoplasmic localization

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by deletion and/or mutation of the survival motor neuron protein Gene (SMN1) that results in the expression of a truncated protein lacking the C terminal exon-7. Whereas SMN has been shown to be an important component of diverse ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, its function in neurons is unknown. We hypothesize that the active transport of SMN may be important for neurite outgrowth and that disruption of exon-7 could impair its normal intracellular trafficking. SMN was localized in granules that were associated with cytoskeletal filament systems and distributed throughout neurites and growth cones. Live cell imaging of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-SMN granules revealed rapid, bidirectional and cytoskeletal-dependent movements. Exon-7 was necessary for localization of SMN into the cytoplasm but was not sufficient for granule formation and transport. A cytoplasmic targeting signal within exon-7 was identified that could completely redistribute the nuclear protein D-box binding factor 1 into the cytoplasm. Neurons transfected with SMN lacking exon-7 had significantly shorter neurites, a defect that could be rescued by redirecting the exon-7 deletion mutant into neurites by a targeting sequence from growth-associated protein-43. These findings provide the first demonstration of cytoskeletal-based active transport of SMN in neuronal processes and the function of exon-7 in cytoplasmic localization. Such observations provide motivation to investigate possible transport defects or inefficiency of SMN associated RNPs in motor neuron axons in SMA.

The kinesin-associated protein UNC-76 is required for axonal transport in the Drosophila nervous system

Kinesin-I is essential for the transport of membrane-bound organelles in neural and nonneural cells. However, the means by which kinesin interacts with its intracellular cargoes, and the means by which kinesin-cargo interactions are regulated in response to cellular transport requirements are not fully understood. The C terminus of the Drosophila kinesin heavy chain (KHC) was used in a two-hybrid screen of a Drosophila cDNA library to identify proteins that bind specifically to the kinesin tail domain. UNC-76 is an evolutionarily conserved cytosolic protein that binds to the tail domain of KHC in two-hybrid and copurification assays, indicating that kinesin and UNC-76 form a stable complex in vivo. Loss of Drosophila Unc-76 function results in locomotion and axonal transport defects reminiscent of the phenotypes observed in kinesin mutants, suggesting that UNC-76 is required for kinesin-dependent axonal transport. Unc-76 exhibits dosage-sensitive genetic relationships with Khc and Kinesin light chain mutations, further supporting the hypothesis that UNC-76 and kinesin-I work in a common transport pathway. Given the interaction of FEZ1, the mammalian homolog of UNC-76, with protein kinase Czeta, and the role of FEZ1 in axon outgrowth, we propose that UNC-76 helps integrate kinesin activity in response to transport requirements in axons.

Active transport of the survival motor neuron protein and the role of exon-7 in cytoplasmic localization

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by deletion and/or mutation of the survival motor neuron protein Gene (SMN1) that results in the expression of a truncated protein lacking the C terminal exon-7. Whereas SMN has been shown to be an important component of diverse ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, its function in neurons is unknown. We hypothesize that the active transport of SMN may be important for neurite outgrowth and that disruption of exon-7 could impair its normal intracellular trafficking. SMN was localized in granules that were associated with cytoskeletal filament systems and distributed throughout neurites and growth cones. Live cell imaging of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-SMN granules revealed rapid, bidirectional and cytoskeletal-dependent movements. Exon-7 was necessary for localization of SMN into the cytoplasm but was not sufficient for granule formation and transport. A cytoplasmic targeting signal within exon-7 was identified that could completely redistribute the nuclear protein D-box binding factor 1 into the cytoplasm. Neurons transfected with SMN lacking exon-7 had significantly shorter neurites, a defect that could be rescued by redirecting the exon-7 deletion mutant into neurites by a targeting sequence from growth-associated protein-43. These findings provide the first demonstration of cytoskeletal-based active transport of SMN in neuronal processes and the function of exon-7 in cytoplasmic localization. Such observations provide motivation to investigate possible transport defects or inefficiency of SMN associated RNPs in motor neuron axons in SMA.

Alzheimer's presenilin 1 mutations impair kinesin-based axonal transport

Several lines of evidence indicate that alterations in axonal transport play a critical role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, but the molecular mechanisms that control this process are not understood fully. Recent work indicates that presenilin 1 (PS1) interacts with glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta). In vivo, GSK3beta phosphorylates kinesin light chains (KLC) and causes the release of kinesin-I from membrane-bound organelles (MBOs), leading to a reduction in kinesin-I driven motility (Morfini et al., 2002b). To characterize a potential role for PS1 in the regulation of kinesin-based axonal transport, we used PS1-/- and PS1 knock-inM146V (KIM146V) mice and cultured cells. We show that relative levels of GSK3beta activity were increased in cells either in the presence of mutant PS1 or in the absence of PS1 (PS1-/-). Concomitant with increased GSK3beta activity, relative levels of KLC phosphorylation were increased, and the amount of kinesin-I bound to MBOs was reduced. Consistent with a deficit in kinesin-I-mediated fast axonal transport, densities of synaptophysin- and syntaxin-I-containing vesicles and mitochondria were reduced in neuritic processes of KIM146V hippocampal neurons. Similarly, we found reduced levels of PS1, amyloid precursor protein, and synaptophysin in sciatic nerves of KIM146V mice. Thus PS1 appears to modulate GSK3beta activity and the release of kinesin-I from MBOs at sites of vesicle delivery and membrane insertion. These findings suggest that mutations in PS1 may compromise neuronal function by affecting GSK-3 activity and kinesin-I-based motility.

Trafficking of signaling modules by kinesin motors

The human genome has more than 40 kinesin genes whose protein products organize intracellular traffic along microtubules. Research during the past two years has begun to elucidate the cargoes carried by kinesins and the nature of the kinesin-cargo linkage. Modular protein-protein interactions connect kinesins to diverse cellular molecules, which, apart from their other functions, serve as kinesin-cargo linkers. Many of these newly identified linkers are scaffolds for signaling pathways, and mounting evidence now indicates that kinesins transport pre-assembled signaling modules as vesicular cargo. These findings bring together two fields, signal transduction and molecular motors, and lead to a deeper understanding of the interplay between trafficking, localization and intercellular communication.

Alzheimer's presenilin 1 mutations impair kinesin-based axonal transport

Several lines of evidence indicate that alterations in axonal transport play a critical role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, but the molecular mechanisms that control this process are not understood fully. Recent work indicates that presenilin 1 (PS1) interacts with glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta). In vivo, GSK3beta phosphorylates kinesin light chains (KLC) and causes the release of kinesin-I from membrane-bound organelles (MBOs), leading to a reduction in kinesin-I driven motility (Morfini et al., 2002b). To characterize a potential role for PS1 in the regulation of kinesin-based axonal transport, we used PS1-/- and PS1 knock-inM146V (KIM146V) mice and cultured cells. We show that relative levels of GSK3beta activity were increased in cells either in the presence of mutant PS1 or in the absence of PS1 (PS1-/-). Concomitant with increased GSK3beta activity, relative levels of KLC phosphorylation were increased, and the amount of kinesin-I bound to MBOs was reduced. Consistent with a deficit in kinesin-I-mediated fast axonal transport, densities of synaptophysin- and syntaxin-I-containing vesicles and mitochondria were reduced in neuritic processes of KIM146V hippocampal neurons. Similarly, we found reduced levels of PS1, amyloid precursor protein, and synaptophysin in sciatic nerves of KIM146V mice. Thus PS1 appears to modulate GSK3beta activity and the release of kinesin-I from MBOs at sites of vesicle delivery and membrane insertion. These findings suggest that mutations in PS1 may compromise neuronal function by affecting GSK-3 activity and kinesin-I-based motility.

KIF17 dynamics and regulation of NR2B trafficking in hippocampal neurons

KIF17, a recently characterized member of the kinesin superfamily proteins, has been proposed to bind in vitro to a protein complex containing mLin10 (Mint1/X11) and the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptors (NMDARs). In the mammalian brain, NMDARs play an important role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Here we present, for the first time, the dynamic properties of KIF17 and provide evidence of its function in the transport of NR2B in living mammalian neurons. KIF17 vesicles enter and move specifically along dendrites in a processive way, at an average speed of 0.76 microm/sec. These vesicles are effectively associated with extrasynaptic NR2B, and thus they transport and deliver NR2B subunits in dendrites. However, KIF17 does not seem to enter directly into postsynaptic regions. Cellular knockdown or functional blockade of KIF17 significantly impairs NR2B expression and its synaptic localization. Interestingly, the decrease in the number of synaptic NR2B subunits is followed by a parallel increase in the number of NR2A subunits at synapses. In contrast, upregulation of the expression level of NR2B, after treatment with the NMDAR antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, simultaneously increases the expression level of KIF17. These observations concerning the downregulation or upregulation of KIF17 and NR2B reveal the probable existence of a shared regulation process between the motor and its cargo. Taken together, these results illustrate the complex mechanisms underlying the active transport and regulation of NR2B by the molecular motor KIF17 in living hippocampal neurons.

Fast axonal transport misregulation and Alzheimer's disease

Pathological alterations in the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau are well-established in a number of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and others. Tau protein and in some cases, neurofilament subunits exhibit abnormal phosphorylation on specific serine and threonine residues in these diseases. A large body of biochemical, genetic, and cell biological evidence implicate two major serine-threonine protein kinases, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) as major kinases responsible for both normal and pathological phosphorylation of tau protein in vivo. What remains unclear is whether tau phosphorylation and/or neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation are causal or secondary to initiation of neuronal pathology. In fact, many studies have indicated that tau misphosphorylation is not the causal event. Interestingly, some of these kinase and phosphatase activities have recently merged as key regulators of fast axonal transport (FAT). Specifically, CDK5 and GSK-3 have been recently shown to regulate kinesin-driven motility. Given the essential role of FAT in neuronal function, an alternate model for pathogenesis can be proposed. In this model, misregulation of FAT induced by an imbalance in specific kinase-phosphatase activities within neurons represents an early and critical step for the initiation of neuronal pathology. Such a model may explain many of the unique characteristics of late onset of neurological diseases such as AD.

KIF17 dynamics and regulation of NR2B trafficking in hippocampal neurons

KIF17, a recently characterized member of the kinesin superfamily proteins, has been proposed to bind in vitro to a protein complex containing mLin10 (Mint1/X11) and the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptors (NMDARs). In the mammalian brain, NMDARs play an important role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Here we present, for the first time, the dynamic properties of KIF17 and provide evidence of its function in the transport of NR2B in living mammalian neurons. KIF17 vesicles enter and move specifically along dendrites in a processive way, at an average speed of 0.76 microm/sec. These vesicles are effectively associated with extrasynaptic NR2B, and thus they transport and deliver NR2B subunits in dendrites. However, KIF17 does not seem to enter directly into postsynaptic regions. Cellular knockdown or functional blockade of KIF17 significantly impairs NR2B expression and its synaptic localization. Interestingly, the decrease in the number of synaptic NR2B subunits is followed by a parallel increase in the number of NR2A subunits at synapses. In contrast, upregulation of the expression level of NR2B, after treatment with the NMDAR antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, simultaneously increases the expression level of KIF17. These observations concerning the downregulation or upregulation of KIF17 and NR2B reveal the probable existence of a shared regulation process between the motor and its cargo. Taken together, these results illustrate the complex mechanisms underlying the active transport and regulation of NR2B by the molecular motor KIF17 in living hippocampal neurons.

Suppression of kinesin expression disrupts adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) localization and affects beta-catenin turnover in young adult mouse colon (YAMC) epithelial cells

Mutational inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein initiates most hereditary and sporadic colon cancers. The tumor-suppressive effect of APC is mediated by promoting degradation of the oncogenic transcriptional activator beta-catenin, and loss of APC function often results in nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin in cancer cells. APC is a nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling protein and moves along microtubules in the cytoplasm. However, the molecular motor proteins responsible for APC translocation and the implications of APC trafficking on beta-catenin turnover are unknown. Here we show that APC protein is associated with microtubules and is colocalized with kinesin heavy chain (KHC) and beta-catenin to clusters of puncta at the tip regions of cellular extensions in a conditionally immortalized mouse colon epithelial cell line, young adult mouse colon (YAMC, APC+/+). Inhibition of KHC expression using an antisense oligonucleotide disrupts peripheral translocation of APC and induces nucleocytoplasmic accumulation of beta-catenin. These data indicate that KHC-mediated APC translocation is tightly coordinated with beta-catenin turnover in the cell.

Identification of mRNA/protein (mRNP) complexes containing Puralpha, mStaufen, fragile X protein, and myosin Va and their association with rough endoplasmic reticulum equipped with a kinesin motor

Puralpha, which is involved in diverse aspects of cellular functions, is strongly expressed in neuronal cytoplasm. Previously, we have reported that this protein controls BC1 RNA expression and its subsequent distribution within dendrites and that Puralpha is associated with polyribosomes. Here, we report that, following treatment with EDTA, Puralpha was released from polyribosomes in mRNA/protein complexes (mRNPs), which also contained mStaufen, Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), myosin Va, and other proteins with unknown functions. As the coimmunoprecipitation of these proteins by an anti-Puralpha antibody was abolished by RNase treatment, Puralpha may assist mRNP assembly in an RNA-dependent manner and be involved in targeting mRNPs to polyribosomes in cooperation with other RNA-binding proteins. The immunoprecipitation of mStaufen- and FMRP-containing mRNPs provided additional evidence that the anti-Puralpha detected structurally or functionally related mRNA subsets, which are distributed in the somatodendritic compartment. Furthermore, mRNPs appear to reside on rough endoplasmic reticulum equipped with a kinesin motor. Based on our present findings, we propose that this rough endoplasmic reticulum structure may form the molecular machinery that mediates and regulates multistep transport of polyribosomes along microtubules and actin filaments, as well as localized translation in the somatodendritic compartment.

Glutamate-receptor-interacting protein GRIP1 directly steers kinesin to dendrites

In cells, molecular motors operate in polarized sorting of molecules, although the steering mechanisms of motors remain elusive. In neurons, the kinesin motor conducts vesicular transport such as the transport of synaptic vesicle components to axons and of neurotransmitter receptors to dendrites, indicating that vesicles may have to drive the motor for the direction to be correct. Here we show that an AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate) receptor subunit--GluR2-interacting protein (GRIP1)--can directly interact and steer kinesin heavy chains to dendrites as a motor for AMPA receptors. As would be expected if this complex is functional, both gene targeting and dominant negative experiments of heavy chains of mouse kinesin showed abnormal localization of GRIP1. Moreover, expression of the kinesin-binding domain of GRIP1 resulted in accumulation of the endogenous kinesin predominantly in the somatodendritic area. This pattern was different from that generated by the overexpression of the kinesin-binding scaffold protein JSAP1 (JNK/SAPK-associated protein-1, also known as Mapk8ip3), which occurred predominantly in the somatoaxon area. These results indicate that directly binding proteins can determine the traffic direction of a motor protein.

Kinesin-mediated axonal transport of a membrane compartment containing beta-secretase and presenilin-1 requires APP

Proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) generates amyloid-beta peptide and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, the normal function of APP, whether this function is related to the proteolytic processing of APP, and where this processing takes place in neurons in vivo remain unknown. We have previously shown that the axonal transport of APP in neurons is mediated by the direct binding of APP to the kinesin light chain subunit of kinesin-I, a microtubule motor protein. Here we identify an axonal membrane compartment that contains APP, beta-secretase and presenilin-1. The fast anterograde axonal transport of this compartment is mediated by APP and kinesin-I. Proteolytic processing of APP can occur in the compartment in vitro and in vivo in axons. This proteolysis generates amyloid-beta and a carboxy-terminal fragment of APP, and liberates kinesin-I from the membrane. These results suggest that APP functions as a kinesin-I membrane receptor, mediating the axonal transport of beta-secretase and presenilin-1, and that processing of APP to amyloid-beta by secretases can occur in an axonal membrane compartment transported by kinesin-I.

Polarized targeting of peripheral membrane proteins in neurons

Differential targeting of neuronal proteins to axons and dendrites is essential for directional information flow within the brain, however, little is known about this protein-sorting process. Here, we investigate polarized targeting of lipid-anchored peripheral membrane proteins, postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43). Whereas the N-terminal palmitoylated motif of PSD-95 is necessary but not sufficient for sorting to dendrites, the palmitoylation motif of GAP-43 is sufficient for axonal targeting and can redirect a PSD-95 chimera to axons. Systematic mutagenesis of the GAP-43 and PSD-95 palmitoylation motifs indicates that the spacing of the palmitoylated cysteines and the presence of nearby basic amino acids determine polarized targeting by these two motifs. Similarly, the axonal protein paralemmin contains a C-terminal palmitoylated domain, which resembles that of GAP-43 and also mediates axonal targeting. These axonally targeted palmitoylation motifs also mediate targeting to detergent-insoluble glycolipid-enriched complexes in heterologous cells, suggesting a possible role for specialized lipid domains in axonal sorting of peripheral membrane proteins.

Disruption of axonal transport and neuronal viability by amyloid precursor protein mutations in Drosophila

We tested the hypothesis that amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its relatives function as vesicular receptor proteins for kinesin-I. Deletion of the Drosophila APP-like gene (Appl) or overexpression of human APP695 or APPL constructs caused axonal transport phenotypes similar to kinesin and dynein mutants. Genetic reduction of kinesin-I expression enhanced while genetic reduction of dynein expression suppressed these phenotypes. Deletion of the C terminus of APP695 or APPL, including the kinesin binding region, disrupted axonal transport of APP695 and APPL and abolished the organelle accumulation phenotype. Neuronal apoptosis was induced only by overexpression of constructs containing both the C-terminal and Abeta regions of APP695. We discuss the possibility that axonal transport disruption may play a role in the neurodegenerative pathology of Alzheimer's disease.

CRMP-2 induces axons in cultured hippocampal neurons

In cultured hippocampal neurons, one axon and several dendrites differentiate from a common immature process. Here we found that CRMP-2/TOAD-64/Ulip2/DRP-2 (refs. 2-4) level was higher in growing axons of cultured hippocampal neurons, that overexpression of CRMP-2 in the cells led to the formation of supernumerary axons and that expression of truncated CRMP-2 mutants suppressed the formation of primary axon in a dominant-negative manner. Thus, CRMP-2 seems to be critical in axon induction in hippocampal neurons, thereby establishing and maintaining neuronal polarity.

Kinesin molecular motors: transport pathways, receptors, and human disease

Kinesin molecular motor proteins are responsible for many of the major microtubule-dependent transport pathways in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Elucidating the transport pathways mediated by kinesins, the identity of the cargoes moved, and the nature of the proteins that link kinesin motors to cargoes are areas of intense investigation. Kinesin-II recently was found to be required for transport in motile and nonmotile cilia and flagella where it is essential for proper left-right determination in mammalian development, sensory function in ciliated neurons, and opsin transport and viability in photoreceptors. Thus, these pathways and proteins may be prominent contributors to several human diseases including ciliary dyskinesias, situs inversus, and retinitis pigmentosa. Kinesin-I is needed to move many different types of cargoes in neuronal axons. Two candidates for receptor proteins that attach kinesin-I to vesicular cargoes were recently found. One candidate, sunday driver, is proposed to both link kinesin-I to an unknown vesicular cargo and to bind and organize the mitogen-activated protein kinase components of a c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling module. A second candidate, amyloid precursor protein, is proposed to link kinesin-I to a different, also unknown, class of axonal vesicles. The finding of a possible functional interaction between kinesin-I and amyloid precursor protein may implicate kinesin-I based transport in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Overcoming of radioresistance in human gliomas by p21WAF1/CIP1 antisense oligonucleotide

Malignant gliomas are highly resistant tumors against gamma-irradiation and contained overexpression of p21WAF1/CIP1 (p21). Overexpression of p21 enhanced clonogenic survival and suppressed apoptosis after gamma-irradiation in human brain tumor cell lines with or without p53 protein deficiency. The effect of antisense oligonucleotide to p21 against the gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in malignant glioma cell lines was examined. Antennapedia homeodomain internalization peptide was used as an insertion vector. The high transfection efficiency of Antennapedia homeodomain internalization peptide joined with antisense oligonucleotide was observed. The pretreatment with antisense oligonucleotide enhanced the gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in radioresistant glioma cells. p21 may represent an important new target for radiosensitization protocols, possibly involving antisense oligonucleotide directed against p21.

Axonal transport of amyloid precursor protein is mediated by direct binding to the kinesin light chain subunit of kinesin-I

We analyzed the mechanism of axonal transport of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which plays a major role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Coimmunoprecipitation, sucrose gradient, and direct in vitro binding demonstrated that APP forms a complex with the microtubule motor, conventional kinesin (kinesin-I), by binding directly to the TPR domain of the kinesin light chain (KLC) subunit. The estimated apparent Kd for binding is 15-20 nM, with a binding stoichiometry of two APP per KLC. In addition, association of APP with microtubules and axonal transport of APP is greatly decreased in a gene-targeted mouse mutant of the neuronally enriched KLC1 gene. We propose that one of the normal functions of APP may be as a membrane cargo receptor for kinesin-I and that KLC is important for kinesin-I-driven transport of APP into axons.

KIF5C, a novel neuronal kinesin enriched in motor neurons

Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) are the molecular motors conveying cargos along microtubules. KIF5s, the heavy chains of conventional kinesin (KHC), are originally identified members of KIFs, and neuronal KIF5A and ubiquitous KIF5B have been identified so far. In the present work, we cloned a novel member of KIF5, KIF5C, and generated specific antibodies against three KIF5s to investigate their distribution and functions. KIF5A showed pan-neuronal distribution in the nervous system. KIF5B showed a glial cell distribution pattern in general; however, interestingly, its expression was strongly upregulated in axon-elongating neurons, such as olfactory primary neurons and mossy fibers. KIF5C was also a neuronal KIF5 like KIF5A but was highly expressed in lower motor neurons in 2-week-old or older mice, suggesting its important roles in the maintenance of motor neurons rather than in their formation, such as axonal elongation. Because a large part of KIF5s in adult motor neurons were expected to be KIF5C, we generated mice lacking the kif5C gene to investigate the functions of KIF5C in neurons in living animals. The mutant mice showed smaller brain size but were viable and did not show gross changes in the nervous system. Closer examinations revealed the relative loss of motor neurons to sensory neurons. Because three KIF5s showed high similarity in the amino acid sequence, could rescue the KIF5B mutant cells, and could form heterodimers, we think that there are functional redundancy among the three KIF5s and that KIF5A and KIF5B prevented the KIF5C null mice from the severe phenotype.

Microtubule-based transport systems in neurons: the roles of kinesins and dyneins

The large size and extreme polarization of neurons is crucial to their ability to communicate at long distances and to form the complex cellular networks of the nervous system. The size, shape, and compartmentalization of these specialized cells must be generated and supported by the cytoskeletal systems of intracellular transport. One of the major systems is the microtubule-based transport system along which kinesin and dynein motor proteins generate force and drive the traffic of many cellular components. This review describes our current understanding of the functions of kinesins and dyneins and how these motor proteins may be harnessed to generate some of the unique properties of neuronal cells.

KIF5C, a novel neuronal kinesin enriched in motor neurons

Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) are the molecular motors conveying cargos along microtubules. KIF5s, the heavy chains of conventional kinesin (KHC), are originally identified members of KIFs, and neuronal KIF5A and ubiquitous KIF5B have been identified so far. In the present work, we cloned a novel member of KIF5, KIF5C, and generated specific antibodies against three KIF5s to investigate their distribution and functions. KIF5A showed pan-neuronal distribution in the nervous system. KIF5B showed a glial cell distribution pattern in general; however, interestingly, its expression was strongly upregulated in axon-elongating neurons, such as olfactory primary neurons and mossy fibers. KIF5C was also a neuronal KIF5 like KIF5A but was highly expressed in lower motor neurons in 2-week-old or older mice, suggesting its important roles in the maintenance of motor neurons rather than in their formation, such as axonal elongation. Because a large part of KIF5s in adult motor neurons were expected to be KIF5C, we generated mice lacking the kif5C gene to investigate the functions of KIF5C in neurons in living animals. The mutant mice showed smaller brain size but were viable and did not show gross changes in the nervous system. Closer examinations revealed the relative loss of motor neurons to sensory neurons. Because three KIF5s showed high similarity in the amino acid sequence, could rescue the KIF5B mutant cells, and could form heterodimers, we think that there are functional redundancy among the three KIF5s and that KIF5A and KIF5B prevented the KIF5C null mice from the severe phenotype.

The Golgi apparatus and the centrosome are localized to the sites of newly emerging axons in cerebellar granule neurons in vitro

Cultured cerebellar granule neurons develop their characteristic axonal and dendritic morphologies in a series of discrete temporal steps highly similar to those observed in situ, initially extending a single process, followed by the extension of a second process from the opposite pole of the cell, both of which develop into axons to generate a bipolar morphology. A mature morphology is attained following the outgrowth of multiple, short dendrites [Powell et al., 1997: J. Neurobiol. 32:223-236]. To determine the relationship between the localization of the Golgi apparatus, the site of microtubule nucleation (the centrosome), and the sites of initial and secondary axonal extension, the intracellular positioning of the Golgi and centrosome was observed during the differentiation of postnatal mouse granule neurons in vitro. The Golgi was labeled using the fluorescent lipid analogue, C5-DMB-Ceramide, or by indirect immunofluorescence using antibodies against the Golgi resident protein, alpha-mannosidase II. At 1-2 days in vitro (DIV), the Golgi was positioned at the base of the initial process in 99% of unipolar cells observed. By 3 DIV, many cells began the transition to a bipolar morphology by extending a short neurite from the pole of the cell opposite to the initial process. The Golgi was observed at this site of secondary outgrowth in 92% of these "transitional" cells, suggesting that the Golgi was repositioned from the base of the initial process to the site of secondary neurite outgrowth. As the second process elongated and the cells proceeded to the bipolar stage of development, or at later stages when distinct axonal and somatodendritic domains had been established, the Golgi was not consistently positioned at the base of either axons or dendrites, and was most often found at sites on the plasma membrane from which no processes originated. To determine the location of the centrosome in relation to the Golgi during development, granule neurons were labeled with antibodies against gamma-tubulin and optically sectioned using confocal microscopy. The centrosome was consistently co-localized with the Golgi during all stages of differentiation, and also appeared to be repositioned to the base of the newly emerging axon during the transition from a unipolar to a bipolar morphology. These findings indicate that during the early stages of granule cell axonal outgrowth, the Golgi-centrosome is positioned at the base of the initial axon and is then repositioned to the base of the newly emerging secondary axon. Such an intracellular reorientation of these organelles may be important in maintaining the characteristic developmental pattern of granule neurons by establishing the polarized microtubule network and the directed flow of membranous vesicles required for initial axonal elaboration.

Mutational analysis of the synapsin III gene on chromosome 22q12-q13 in schizophrenia

Synapsins are a family of neuron-specific, synaptic vesicle-associated phosphoproteins that have been implicated in the modulation of neurotransmitter release. Synapsins are coded by three distinct genes for synapsin I. II, and III. The synapsin III gene is located on human chromosome 22q12-q13, where a possible schizophrenia susceptibility locus is located. Using the single strand conformation polymorphism method, we searched for variants in 13 exons and the 5'-flanking region of the synapsin III gene in schizophrenia. Three polymorphisms, -631C/G, -271T/C, and E525Q, and one rare variant, -669C >A, were identified. Case-control comparisons of these polymorphisms revealed no significant differences in the allelic and genotypic distributions between schizophrenic and control subjects. The present study did not provide evidence for an association between the synapsin III gene and schizophrenia.

Evidence for the involvement of KIF4 in the anterograde transport of L1-containing vesicles

In this study we present evidence about the cellular functions of KIF4. Using subcellular fractionation techniques and immunoisolation, we have now identified a type of vesicle that associates with KIF4, an NH(2)-terminal globular motor domain kinesin-like protein. This vesicle is highly concentrated in growth cones and contains L1, a cell adhesion molecule implicated in axonal elongation. It lacks synaptic vesicle markers, receptors for neurotrophins, and membrane proteins involved in growth cone guidance. In cultured neurons, KIF4 and L1 predominantly localize to the axonal shaft and its growth cone. Suppression of KIF4 with antisense oligonucleotides results in the accumulation of L1 within the cell body and in its complete disappearance from axonal tips. In addition, KIF4 suppression prevents L1-enhanced axonal elongation. Taken collectively, our results suggest an important role for KIF4 during neuronal development, a phenomenon which may be related to the anterograde transport of L1-containing vesicles.

Axonal membrane proteins are transported in distinct carriers: a two-color video microscopy study in cultured hippocampal neurons

Neurons transport newly synthesized membrane proteins along axons by microtubule-mediated fast axonal transport. Membrane proteins destined for different axonal subdomains are thought to be transported in different transport carriers. To analyze this differential transport in living neurons, we tagged the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and synaptophysin (p38) with green fluorescent protein (GFP) variants. The resulting fusion proteins, APP-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), p38-enhanced GFP, and p38-enhanced cyan fluorescent protein, were expressed in hippocampal neurons, and the cells were imaged by video microscopy. APP-YFP was transported in elongated tubules that moved extremely fast (on average 4.5 micrometer/s) and over long distances. In contrast, p38-enhanced GFP-transporting structures were more vesicular and moved four times slower (0.9 micrometer/s) and over shorter distances only. Two-color video microscopy showed that the two proteins were sorted to different carriers that moved with different characteristics along axons of doubly transfected neurons. Antisense treatment using oligonucleotides against the kinesin heavy chain slowed down the long, continuous movement of APP-YFP tubules and increased frequency of directional changes. These results demonstrate for the first time directly the sorting and transport of two axonal membrane proteins into different carriers. Moreover, the extremely fast-moving tubules represent a previously unidentified type of axonal carrier.

Clonal tests of conventional kinesin function during cell proliferation and differentiation

Null mutations in the Drosophila Kinesin heavy chain gene (Khc), which are lethal during the second larval instar, have shown that conventional kinesin is critical for fast axonal transport in neurons, but its functions elsewhere are uncertain. To test other tissues, single imaginal cells in young larvae were rendered null for Khc by mitotic recombination. Surprisingly, the null cells produced large clones of adult tissue. The rates of cell proliferation were not reduced, indicating that conventional kinesin is not essential for cell growth or division. This suggests that in undifferentiated cells vesicle transport from the Golgi to either the endoplasmic reticulum or the plasma membrane can proceed at normal rates without conventional kinesin. In adult eye clones produced by null founder cells, there were some defects in differentiation that caused mild ultrastructural changes, but they were not consistent with serious problems in the positioning or transport of endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, or vesicles. In contrast, defective cuticle deposition by highly elongated Khc null bristle shafts suggests that conventional kinesin is critical for proper secretory vesicle transport in some cell types, particularly ones that must build and maintain long cytoplasmic extensions. The ubiquity and evolutionary conservation of kinesin heavy chain argue for functions in all cells. We suggest interphase organelle movements away from the cell center are driven by multilayered transport mechanisms; that is, individual organelles can use kinesin-related proteins and myosins, as well as conventional kinesin, to move toward the cell periphery. In this case, other motors can compensate for the loss of conventional kinesin except in cells that have extremely long transport tracks.

Distinct cytoplasmic dynein complexes are transported by different mechanisms in axons

In neurons, cytoplasmic dynein is synthesized in the cell body, but its function is to move cargo from the axon back to the cell body. Dynein must therefore be delivered to the axon and its motor activity must be regulated during axonal transport. Cytoplasmic dynein is a large protein complex composed of a number of different subunits. The dynein heavy chains contain the motor domains and the intermediate chains are involved in binding the complex to cargo. Five different intermediate chain polypeptides, which are the result of the alternative splicing of the two intermediate chain genes, have been identified. We have characterized two distinct pools of dynein that are transported from the cell body along the axon by different mechanisms. One pool, which contains the ubiquitous intermediate chain, is associated with the membranous organelles transported by kinesin in the fast transport component. The other pool, which contains the other developmentally regulated intermediate chains, is transported in slow component b. The mechanism of dynein regulation will therefore depend on which pool of dynein is recruited to function as the retrograde motor. In addition, the properties of the large pool of dynein associated with actin in slow component b are consistent with the hypothesis that this dynein may be the motor for microtubule transport in the axon.

Kinesin participates in melanosomal movement along melanocyte dendrites

Movement of melanosomes along melanocyte dendrites is necessary for the transfer of melanin pigment from melanocytes to basal and suprabasal keratinocytes, an event critical to epidermal photoprotection and maintenance of normal skin color. Recent murine data suggest that in melanocyte dendrites the microtubule-associated melanosome movement is bidirectional and that actin-associated myosin V secures the peripheral melanosomes, preparing them to be transferred to surrounding keratinocytes. We now report that human melanocytes express high levels of kinesin, a molecule that participates in microtubule-associated transport of organelles in other cell types, and that ultrastructurally kinesin molecules are closely associated with melanosomes. To determine whether kinesin participates in melanosomal transport, cultured melanocytes were treated with sense or antisense oligonucleotides complementary to kinesin heavy chain sequences. Antisense oligonucleotides decreased kinesin protein levels and inhibited the bidirectional movement of the melanosomes, promoting their backward movement. Furthermore, guinea pigs were exposed to ultraviolet B irradiation, known to enhance transport of melanosomes from melanocytes to epidermal keratinocytes, and then were treated with kinesin sense or antisense oligonucleotides. The areas that were treated with kinesin antisense oligonucleotides showed significantly less pigmentation clinically and histologically than control (sense) oligonucleotide-treated areas. As observed ultrastructurally, in antisense-treated areas melanosomes remained in melanocyte dendrites but over several days were not transferred to the surrounding keratinocytes. Our study supports a major role for kinesin in microtubule-associated anterograde melanosomal transport in human melanocyte dendrites.