A Selective Filter for Cytoplasmic Transport at the Axon Initial Segment

Dual spatio-temporal regulation of axon growth and microtubule dynamics by RhoA signaling pathways

RhoA plays a crucial role in neuronal polarization, where its action restraining axon outgrowth has been thoroughly studied. We now report that RhoA has not only an inhibitory but also a stimulatory effect on axon development depending on when and where exerts its action and the downstream effectors involved. In cultured hippocampal neurons, FRET imaging revealed that RhoA activity selectively localized in growth cones of undifferentiated neurites, whereas in developing axons it displayed a biphasic pattern, being low in nascent axons and high in elongating ones. RhoA-Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling prevented axon initiation but had no effect on elongation, whereas formin inhibition reduced axon extension without significantly altering initial outgrowth. In addition, RhoA-mDia signaling promoted axon elongation by stimulating growth cone microtubule stability and assembly, as opposed to RhoA-ROCK signaling, which restrained growth cone microtubule assembly and protrusion.

Kinesin Regulation in the Proximal Axon is Essential for Dendrite-selective Transport

Neurons are polarized and typically extend multiple dendrites and one axon. To maintain polarity, vesicles carrying dendritic proteins are arrested upon entering the axon. To determine whether kinesin regulation is required for terminating anterograde axonal transport, we overexpressed the dendrite-selective kinesin KIF13A. This caused mistargeting of dendrite-selective vesicles to the axon and a loss of dendritic polarity. Polarity was not disrupted if the kinase MARK2/Par1b was coexpressed. MARK2/Par1b is concentrated in the proximal axon, where it maintains dendritic polarity-likely by phosphorylating S1371 of KIF13A, which lies in a canonical 14-3-3 binding motif. We probed for interactions of KIF13A with 14-3-3 isoforms and found that 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ bound KIF13A. Disruption of MARK2 or 14-3-3 activity by small molecule inhibitors caused a loss of dendritic polarity. These data show that kinesin regulation is integral for dendrite-selective transport. We propose a new model in which KIF13A that moves dendrite-selective vesicles in the proximal axon is phosphorylated by MARK2. Phosphorylated KIF13A is then recognized by 14-3-3, which causes dissociation of KIF13A from the vesicle and termination of transport. These findings define a new paradigm for the regulation of vesicle transport by localized kinesin tail phosphorylation, to restrict dendrite-selective vesicles from entering the axon.

MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding site to polarize vesicular transport of transferrin receptor within dendrites

Neurons regulate the microtubule-based transport of certain vesicles selectively into axons or dendrites to ensure proper polarization of function. The mechanism of this polarized vesicle transport is still not fully elucidated, though it is known to involve kinesins, which drive anterograde transport on microtubules. Here, we explore how the kinesin-3 family member KIF13A is regulated such that vesicles containing transferrin receptor (TfR) travel only to dendrites. In experiments involving live-cell imaging, knockout of KIF13A, BioID assay, we found that the kinase MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding motif, strengthening interaction of KIF13A with 14-3-3 such that it dissociates from TfR-containing vesicles, which therefore cannot enter axons. Overexpression of KIF13A or knockout of MARK2 leads to axonal transport of TfR-containing vesicles. These results suggest a unique kinesin-based mechanism for polarized transport of vesicles to dendrites.

Efficient axonal transport of endolysosomes relies on the balanced ratio of microtubule tyrosination and detyrosination

In neurons, the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton forms the basis for long-distance protein transport from the cell body into and out of dendrites and axons. To maintain neuronal polarity, the axon initial segment (AIS) serves as a physical barrier, separating the axon from the somatodendritic compartment and acting as a filter for axonal cargo. Selective trafficking is further instructed by axonal enrichment of MT post-translational modifications, which affect MT dynamics and the activity of motor proteins. Here, we compared two knockout mouse lines lacking the respective enzymes for MT tyrosination and detyrosination, and found that both knockouts led to a shortening of the AIS. Neurons from both lines also showed an increased immobile fraction of endolysosomes present in the axon, whereas mobile organelles displayed shortened run distances in the retrograde direction. Overall, our results highlight the importance of maintaining the balance of tyrosinated and detyrosinated MTs for proper AIS length and axonal transport processes.

Regulation of ciliary homeostasis by intraflagellar transport-independent kinesins

Cilia are highly conserved eukaryotic organelles that protrude from the cell surface and are involved in sensory perception, motility, and signaling. Their proper assembly and function rely on the bidirectional intraflagellar transport (IFT) system, which involves motor proteins, including antegrade kinesins and retrograde dynein. Although the role of IFT-mediated transport in cilia has been extensively studied, recent research has highlighted the contribution of IFT-independent kinesins in ciliary processes. The coordinated activities and interplay between IFT kinesins and IFT-independent kinesins are crucial for maintaining ciliary homeostasis. In this comprehensive review, we aim to delve into the specific contributions and mechanisms of action of the IFT-independent kinesins in cilia. By shedding light on their involvement, we hope to gain a more holistic perspective on ciliogenesis and ciliopathies.

MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding site to polarize vesicular transport of transferrin receptor within dendrites

Neurons regulate the microtubule-based transport of certain vesicles selectively into axons or dendrites to ensure proper polarization of function. The mechanism of this polarized vesicle transport is still not fully elucidated, though it is known to involve kinesins, which drive anterograde transport on microtubules. Here we explore how the kinesin-3 family member KIF13A is regulated such that vesicles containing transferrin receptor (TfR) travel only to dendrites. In experiments involving live-cell imaging, knockout of KIF13A, BioID assay, we found that the kinase MARK2 phosphorylates KIF13A at a 14-3-3 binding motif, strengthening interaction of KIF13A with 14-3-3 such that it dissociates from TfR-containing vesicles, which therefore cannot enter axons. Overexpression of KIF13A or knockout of MARK2 leads to axonal transport of TfR-containing vesicles. These results suggest a novel kinesin-based mechanism for polarized transport of vesicles to dendrites.

Significance

Our findings suggest that at least one type of vesicles, those containing transferrin receptor, travel exclusively to dendrites and are excluded from axons because the kinase MARK2 phosphorylates the kinesin KIF13A to promote its separation from vesicles at the proximal axon, preventing vesicle transport into axons, such that they travel only to dendrites. Future studies should explore how this mechanism of polarized vesicle transport supports neuronal function.

Self-Aggregating Tau Fragments Recapitulate Pathologic Phenotypes and Neurotoxicity of Alzheimer's Disease in Mice

In tauopathy conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), highly soluble and natively unfolded tau polymerizes into an insoluble filament; however, the mechanistic details of this process remain unclear. In the brains of AD patients, only a minor segment of tau forms β-helix-stacked protofilaments, while its flanking regions form disordered fuzzy coats. Here, it is demonstrated that the tau AD nucleation core (tau-AC) sufficiently induced self-aggregation and recruited full-length tau to filaments. Unexpectedly, phospho-mimetic forms of tau-AC (at Ser324 or Ser356) show markedly reduced oligomerization and seeding propensities. Biophysical analysis reveal that the N-terminus of tau-AC facilitates the fibrillization kinetics as a nucleation motif, which becomes sterically shielded through phosphorylation-induced conformational changes in tau-AC. Tau-AC oligomers are efficiently internalized into cells via endocytosis and induced endogenous tau aggregation. In primary hippocampal neurons, tau-AC impaired axon initial segment plasticity upon chronic depolarization and is mislocalized to the somatodendritic compartments. Furthermore, it is observed significantly impaired memory retrieval in mice intrahippocampally injected with tau-AC fibrils, which corresponds to the neuropathological staining and neuronal loss in the brain. These findings identify tau-AC species as a key neuropathological driver in AD, suggesting novel strategies for therapeutic intervention.

Neurofilament accumulations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients' motor neurons impair axonal initial segment integrity

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron (MN) disease in adults with no curative treatment. Neurofilament (NF) level in patient' fluids have recently emerged as the prime biomarker of ALS disease progression, while NF accumulation in MNs of patients is the oldest and one of the best pathological hallmarks. However, the way NF accumulations could lead to MN degeneration remains unknown. To assess NF accumulations and study the impact on MNs, we compared MNs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) of patients carrying mutations in C9orf72, SOD1 and TARDBP genes, the three main ALS genetic causes. We show that in all mutant MNs, light NF (NF-L) chains rapidly accumulate in MN soma, while the phosphorylated heavy/medium NF (pNF-M/H) chains pile up in axonal proximal regions of only C9orf72 and SOD1 MNs. Excitability abnormalities were also only observed in these latter MNs. We demonstrate that the integrity of the MN axonal initial segment (AIS), the region of action potential initiation and responsible for maintaining axonal integrity, is impaired in the presence of pNF-M/H accumulations in C9orf72 and SOD1 MNs. We establish a strong correlation between these pNF-M/H accumulations, an AIS distal shift, increased axonal calibers and modified repartition of sodium channels. The results expand our understanding of how NF accumulation could dysregulate components of the axonal cytoskeleton and disrupt MN homeostasis. With recent cumulative evidence that AIS alterations are implicated in different brain diseases, preserving AIS integrity could have important therapeutic implications for ALS.

Active Transport by Cytoplasmic Dynein Maintains the Localization of MAP2 in Developing Neurons

MAP2 has been widely used as a marker of neuronal dendrites because of its extensive restriction in the somatodendritic region of neurons. Despite that, how the precise localization of such a soluble protein is established and maintained against thermal forces and diffusion has been elusive and long remained a mystery in neuroscience. In this study, we aimed to uncover the mechanism behind how MAP2 is retained in the somatodendritic region. Using GFP-tagged MAP2 expressed in cultured hippocampal neurons, we discovered a crucial protein region responsible for the localization of MAP2, the serine/proline-rich (S/P) region. Our pulse-chase live-cell imaging revealed the slow but steady migration of MAP2 toward distal dendrites, which was not observed in a MAP2 mutant lacking the S/P region, indicating that S/P-dependent transport is vital for the proper localization of MAP2. Furthermore, our experiments using an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Dynein, ciliobrevin D, as well as Dynein knockdown, showed that cytoplasmic Dynein is involved in the transport of MAP2 in dendrites. We also found that Dynein complex binds to MAP2 through the S/P region in heterologous cells. Using mathematical modeling based on experimental data, we confirmed that an intermittent active transport mechanism is essential. Thus, we propose that the cytoplasmic Dynein recruits and transports free MAP2 toward distal dendrites, thereby maintaining the precise dendritic localization of MAP2 in neurons. Our findings shed light on the previously unknown mechanism behind MAP2 localization and provide a new direction for soluble protein trafficking research in the field of cell biology of neurons.

The Amyloid Precursor Protein Modulates the Position and Length of the Axon Initial Segment

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is linked to the genetics and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is the parent protein of the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, the main constituent of the amyloid plaques found in an AD brain. The pathways from APP to Aβ are intensively studied, yet the normal functions of APP itself have generated less interest. We report here that glutamate stimulation of neuronal activity leads to a rapid increase in App gene expression. In mouse and human neurons, elevated APP protein changes the structure of the axon initial segment (AIS) where action potentials are initiated. The AIS is shortened in length and shifts away from the cell body. The GCaMP8f Ca2+ reporter confirms the predicted decrease in neuronal activity. NMDA antagonists or knockdown of App block the glutamate effects. The actions of APP on the AIS are cell-autonomous; exogenous Aβ, either fibrillar or oligomeric, has no effect. In culture, APPSwe (a familial AD mutation) induces larger AIS changes than wild type APP. Ankyrin G and βIV-spectrin, scaffolding proteins of the AIS, both physically associate with APP, more so in AD brains. Finally, in humans with sporadic AD or in the R1.40 AD mouse model, both females and males, neurons have elevated levels of APP protein that invade the AIS. In vivo as in vitro, this increased APP is associated with a significant shortening of the AIS. The findings outline a new role for the APP and encourage a reconsideration of its relationship to AD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT While the amyloid precursor protein (APP) has long been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the normal functions of the full-length Type I membrane protein have been largely unexplored. We report here that the levels of APP protein increase with neuronal activity. In vivo and in vitro, modest amounts of excess APP alter the properties of the axon initial segment. The β-amyloid peptide derived from APP is without effect. Consistent with the observed changes in the axon initial segment which would be expected to decrease action potential firing, we show that APP expression depresses neuronal activity. In mouse AD models and human sporadic AD, APP physically associates with the scaffolding proteins of the axon initial segment, suggesting a relationship with AD dementia.

Synaptic vesicle proteins are selectively delivered to axons in mammalian neurons

Neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles (SVs) mediate synaptic transmission and are a hallmark specialization in neuronal axons. Yet, how SV proteins are sorted to presynaptic nerve terminals remains the subject of debate. The leading model posits that these proteins are randomly trafficked throughout neurons and are selectively retained in presynaptic boutons. Here, we used the RUSH (retention using selective hooks) system, in conjunction with HaloTag labeling approaches, to study the egress of two distinct transmembrane SV proteins, synaptotagmin 1 and synaptobrevin 2, from the soma of mature cultured rat and mouse neurons. For these studies, the SV reporter constructs were expressed at carefully controlled, very low levels. In sharp contrast to the selective retention model, both proteins selectively and specifically entered axons with minimal entry into dendrites. However, even moderate overexpression resulted in the spillover of SV proteins into dendrites, potentially explaining the origin of previous non-polarized transport models, revealing the limited, saturable nature of the direct axonal trafficking pathway. Moreover, we observed that SV constituents were first delivered to the presynaptic plasma membrane before incorporation into SVs. These experiments reveal a new-found membrane trafficking pathway, for SV proteins, in classically polarized mammalian neurons and provide a glimpse at the first steps of SV biogenesis.

A model for generating differences in microtubules between axonal branches depending on the distance from terminals

In the remodeling of axonal arbor, the growth and retraction of branches are differentially regulated within a single axon. Although cell-autonomously generated differences in microtubule (MT) turnover are thought to be involved in selective branch regulation, the cellular system whereby neurons generate differences of MTs between axonal branches has not been clarified. Because MT turnover tends to be slower in longer branches compared with neighboring shorter branches, feedback regulation depending on branch length is thought to be involved. In the present study, we generated a model of MT lifetime in axonal terminal branches by adapting a length-dependent model in which parameters for MT dynamics were constant in the arbor. The model predicted that differences in MT lifetime between neighboring branches could be generated depending on the distance from terminals. In addition, the following points were predicted. Firstly, destabilization of MTs throughout the arbor decreased the differences in MT lifetime between branches. Secondly, differences of MT lifetime existed even before MTs entered the branch point. In axonal MTs in primary neurons, treatment with a low concentration of nocodazole significantly decreased the differences of detyrosination (deTyr) and tyrosination (Tyr) of tubulins, indicators of MT turnover. Expansion microscopy of the axonal shaft before the branch point revealed differences in deTyr/Tyr modification on MTs. Our model recapitulates the differences in MT turnover between branches and provides a feedback mechanism for MT regulation that depends on the axonal arbor geometry.

MAPping tubulin mutations

Microtubules are filamentous structures that play a critical role in a diverse array of cellular functions including, mitosis, nuclear translocation, trafficking of organelles and cell shape. They are composed of α/β-tubulin heterodimers which are encoded by a large multigene family that has been implicated in an umbrella of disease states collectively known as the tubulinopathies. De novo mutations in different tubulin genes are known to cause lissencephaly, microcephaly, polymicrogyria, motor neuron disease, and female infertility. The diverse clinical features associated with these maladies have been attributed to the expression pattern of individual tubulin genes, as well as their distinct Functional repertoire. Recent studies, however, have highlighted the impact of tubulin mutations on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). MAPs can be classified according to their effect on microtubules and include polymer stabilizers (e.g., tau, MAP2, doublecortin), destabilizers (e.g., spastin, katanin), plus-end binding proteins (e.g., EB1-3, XMAP215, CLASPs) and motor proteins (e.g., dyneins, kinesins). In this review we analyse mutation-specific disease mechanisms that influence MAP binding and their phenotypic consequences, and discuss methods by which we can exploit genetic variation to identify novel MAPs.

Spatiotemporal analysis of axonal autophagosome-lysosome dynamics reveals limited fusion events and slow maturation

Macroautophagy is a homeostatic process required to clear cellular waste. Neuronal autophagosomes form constitutively in the distal tip of the axon and are actively transported toward the soma, with cargo degradation initiated en route. Cargo turnover requires autophagosomes to fuse with lysosomes to acquire degradative enzymes; however, directly imaging these fusion events in the axon is impractical. Here we use a quantitative model, parameterized and validated using data from primary hippocampal neurons, to explore the autophagosome maturation process. We demonstrate that retrograde autophagosome motility is independent of fusion and that most autophagosomes fuse with only a few lysosomes during axonal transport. Our results indicate that breakdown of the inner autophagosomal membrane is much slower in neurons than in nonneuronal cell types, highlighting the importance of this late maturation step. Together, rigorous quantitative measurements and mathematical modeling elucidate the dynamics of autophagosome-lysosome interaction and autophagosomal maturation in the axon.

Actin filaments form a size-dependent diffusion barrier around centrosomes

The centrosome, a non-membranous organelle, constrains various soluble molecules locally to execute its functions. As the centrosome is surrounded by various dense components, we hypothesized that it may be bordered by a putative diffusion barrier. After quantitatively measuring the trapping kinetics of soluble proteins of varying size at centrosomes by a chemically inducible diffusion trapping assay, we find that centrosomes are highly accessible to soluble molecules with a Stokes radius of less than 5.8 nm, whereas larger molecules rarely reach centrosomes, indicating the existence of a size-dependent diffusion barrier at centrosomes. The permeability of this barrier is tightly regulated by branched actin filaments outside of centrosomes and it decreases during anaphase when branched actin temporally increases. The actin-based diffusion barrier gates microtubule nucleation by interfering with γ-tubulin ring complex recruitment. We propose that actin filaments spatiotemporally constrain protein complexes at centrosomes in a size-dependent manner.

ER and Golgi trafficking in axons, dendrites, and glial processes

Both neurons and glia in mammalian brains are highly ramified. Neurons form complex neural networks using axons and dendrites. Axons are long with few branches and form pre-synaptic boutons that connect to target neurons and effector tissues. Dendrites are shorter, highly branched, and form post-synaptic boutons. Astrocyte processes contact synapses and blood vessels in order to regulate neuronal activity and blood flow, respectively. Oligodendrocyte processes extend toward axons to make myelin sheaths. Microglia processes dynamically survey their environments. Here, we describe the local secretory system (ER and Golgi) in neuronal and glial processes. We focus on Golgi outpost functions in acentrosomal microtubule nucleation, cargo trafficking, and protein glycosylation. Thus, satellite ER and Golgi are critical for local structure and function in neurons and glia.

Transport-dependent maturation of organelles in neurons

Some organelles show a spatial gradient of maturation along the neuronal process where more mature organelles are found closer to the cell body. This gradient is set up by progressive maturation steps that are aided by differential organelle distribution as well as transport. Autophagosomes and endosomes mature as they acquire lysosomal membrane proteins and decrease their luminal pH as they are retrogradely transported towards the cell body. The acquisition of lysosomal proteins along the neuronal processes likely occurs through fusion or membrane exchange events with Golgi-derived donor transport carriers that are transported anterogradely from the cell body. The mechanisms by which endosomes and autophagosomes mature might be applicable to other organelles that are transported along neuronal processes. Defects in axonal transport may also contribute to the accumulation of immature organelles in neurons. Such accumulations have been seen in neurons of neurodegenerative models.

Microtubule polarity is instructive for many aspects of neuronal polarity

Many neurons in bilaterian animals are polarized with functionally distinct axons and dendrites. Microtubule polarity, microtubule stability, and the axon initial segment (AIS) have all been shown to influence polarized transport in neurons. Each of these cytoskeletal cues could act independently to control axon and dendrite identity, or there could be a hierarchy in which one acts upstream of the others. Here we test the hypothesis that microtubule polarity acts as a master regulator of neuronal polarity by using a Drosophila genetic background in which some dendrites have normal minus-end-out microtubule polarity and others have the axonal plus-end-out polarity. In these mosaic dendrite arbors, we found that ribosomes, which are more abundant in dendrites than axons, were reduced in plus-end-out dendrites, while an axonal cargo was increased. In addition, we determined that microtubule stability was different in plus-end-out and minus-end-out dendrites, with plus-end-out ones having more stable microtubules like axons. Similarly, we found that ectopic diffusion barriers, like those at the AIS, formed at the base of dendrites with plus-end-out regions. Thus, changes in microtubule polarity were sufficient to rearrange other cytoskeletal features associated with neuronal polarization. However, overall neuron shape was maintained with only subtle changes in branching in mosaic arbors. We conclude that microtubule polarity can act upstream of many aspects of intracellular neuronal polarization, but shape is relatively resilient to changes in microtubule polarity in vivo.

Spatial regulation of endosomes in growing dendrites

Many membrane proteins are highly enriched in either dendrites or axons. This non-uniform distribution is a critical feature of neuronal polarity and underlies neuronal function. The molecular mechanisms responsible for polarized distribution of membrane proteins has been studied for some time and many answers have emerged. A less well studied feature of neurons is that organelles are also frequently non-uniformly distributed. For instance, EEA1-positive early endosomes are somatodendritic whereas synaptic vesicles are axonal. In addition, some organelles are present in both axons and dendrites, but not distributed uniformly along the processes. One well known example are lysosomes which are abundant in the soma and proximal dendrite, but sparse in the distal dendrite and the distal axon. The mechanisms that determine the spatial distribution of organelles along dendrites are only starting to be studied. In this review, we will discuss the cell biological mechanisms of how the distribution of diverse sets of endosomes along the proximal-distal axis of dendrites might be regulated. In particular, we will focus on the regulation of bulk homeostatic mechanisms as opposed to local regulation. We posit that immature dendrites regulate organelle motility differently from mature dendrites in order to spatially organize dendrite growth, branching and sculpting.

Leucine-Rich Repeats and Transmembrane Domain 2 Controls Protein Sorting in the Striatal Projection System and Its Deficiency Causes Disturbances in Motor Responses and Monoamine Dynamics

The striatum is involved in action selection, and its disturbance can cause movement disorders. Here, we show that leucine-rich repeats and transmembrane domain 2 (Lrtm2) controls protein sorting in striatal projection systems, and its deficiency causes disturbances in monoamine dynamics and behavior. The Lrtm2 protein was broadly detected in the brain, but it was enhanced in the olfactory bulb and dorsal striatum. Immunostaining revealed a strong signal in striatal projection output, including GABAergic presynaptic boutons of the SNr. In subcellular fractionation, Lrtm2 was abundantly recovered in the synaptic plasma membrane fraction, synaptic vesicle fraction, and microsome fraction. Lrtm2 KO mice exhibited altered motor responses in both voluntary explorations and forced exercise. Dopamine metabolite content was decreased in the dorsal striatum and hypothalamus, and serotonin turnover increased in the dorsal striatum. The prefrontal cortex showed age-dependent changes in dopamine metabolites. The distribution of glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) protein and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor type B receptor 1 (GABA_BR1) protein was altered in the dorsal striatum. In cultured neurons, wild-type Lrtm2 protein enhanced axon trafficking of GAD67-GFP and GABA_BR1-GFP whereas such activity was defective in sorting signal-abolished Lrtm2 mutant proteins. The topical expression of hemagglutinin-epitope-tag (HA)-Lrtm2 and a protein sorting signal abolished HA-Lrtm2 mutant differentially affected GABA_BR1 protein distribution in the dorsal striatum. These results suggest that Lrtm2 is an essential component of striatal projection neurons, contributing to a better understanding of striatal pathophysiology.

Glucose increases the length and spacing of the lattice structure of the axon initial segment

The axon initial segment (AIS) plays an important role in maintaining neuronal polarity and initiating action potentials (APs). The AIS adapts to its environment by changing its length and distance from the cell body, resulting in modulation of neuronal excitability, which is referred to as AIS plasticity. Previous studies found an ~200 nm single periodic distribution of the key AIS components ankyrinG (AnkG), Na_v 1.2, and βIV-spectrin, while it remains unclear how the lattice structure is altered by AIS plasticity. In this study, we found that the length of the AIS significantly increased, resulting in increased neuronal excitability, with high-concentration glucose treatment. Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) images of the lattice structure showed a dual-spacing periodic distribution (~200 nm and ~260 nm) of AnkG, Na_v 1.2, and βIV-spectrin. Moreover, 480-kDa AnkG was crucial for AIS plasticity and increased lattice structure spacing. The discovery of new regulators for modulating AIS plasticity will help us to understand and manipulate the structure and function of the AIS.

Axon-Targeting Motifs: Mechanisms and Applications of Enhancing Axonal Localisation of Transmembrane Proteins

Neuronal polarity established in developing neurons ensures proper function in the mature nervous system. As functionally distinct cellular compartments, axons and dendrites often require different subsets of proteins to maintain synaptic transmission and overall order. Although neurons in the mature CNS do not regenerate throughout life, their interactions with their extracellular environment are dynamic. The axon remains an overall protected area of the neuron where only certain proteins have access throughout the lifespan of the cell. This is in comparison to the somatodendritic compartment, where although it too has a specialised subset of proteins required for its maintenance, many proteins destined for the axonal compartment must first be trafficked through the former. Recent research has shown that axonal proteins contain specific axon-targeting motifs that permit access to the axonal compartment as well as downstream targeting to the axonal membrane. These motifs target proteins to the axonal compartment by a variety of mechanisms including: promoting segregation into axon-targeted secretory vesicles, increasing interaction with axonal kinesins and enhancing somatodendritic endocytosis. In this review, we will discuss axon-targeting motifs within the context of established neuron trafficking mechanisms. We will also include examples of how these motifs have been applied to target proteins to the axonal compartment to improve both tools for the study of axon biology, and for use as potential therapeutics for axonopathies.

Microtubules as Regulators of Neural Network Shape and Function: Focus on Excitability, Plasticity and Memory

Neuronal microtubules (MTs) are complex cytoskeletal protein arrays that undergo activity-dependent changes in their structure and function as a response to physiological demands throughout the lifespan of neurons. Many factors shape the allostatic dynamics of MTs and tubulin dimers in the cytosolic microenvironment, such as protein–protein interactions and activity-dependent shifts in these interactions that are responsible for their plastic capabilities. Recently, several findings have reinforced the role of MTs in behavioral and cognitive processes in normal and pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize the bidirectional relationships between MTs dynamics, neuronal processes, and brain and behavioral states. The outcomes of manipulating the dynamicity of MTs by genetic or pharmacological approaches on neuronal morphology, intrinsic and synaptic excitability, the state of the network, and behaviors are heterogeneous. We discuss the critical position of MTs as responders and adaptative elements of basic neuronal function whose impact on brain function is not fully understood, and we highlight the dilemma of artificially modulating MT dynamics for therapeutic purposes.

Morphology and Transport in Eukaryotic Cells

Transport of intracellular components relies on a variety of active and passive mechanisms, ranging from the diffusive spreading of small molecules over short distances to motor-driven motion across long distances. The cell-scale behavior of these mechanisms is fundamentally dependent on the morphology of the underlying cellular structures. Diffusion-limited reaction times can be qualitatively altered by the presence of occluding barriers or by confinement in complex architectures, such as those of reticulated organelles. Motor-driven transport is modulated by the architecture of cytoskeletal filaments that serve as transport highways. In this review, we discuss the impact of geometry on intracellular transport processes that fulfill a broad range of functional objectives, including delivery, distribution, and sorting of cellular components. By unraveling the interplay between morphology and transport efficiency, we aim to elucidate key structure-function relationships that govern the architecture of transport systems at the cellular scale. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biophysics, Volume 51 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

The balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion in cortical axons depends on the kinases SadA and SadB

Neurons are highly polarized cells that display characteristic differences in the organization of their organelles in axons and dendrites. The kinases SadA and SadB (SadA/B) promote the formation of distinct axonal and dendritic extensions during the development of cortical and hippocampal neurons. Here, we show that SadA/B are required for the specific dynamics of axonal mitochondria. Ankyrin B (AnkB) stimulates the activity of SadA/B that function as regulators of mitochondrial dynamics through the phosphorylation of tau. Suppression of SadA/B or AnkB in cortical neurons induces the elongation of mitochondria by disrupting the balance of fission and fusion. SadA/B-deficient neurons show an accumulation of hyper-fused mitochondria and activation of the integrated stress response (ISR). The normal dynamics of axonal mitochondria could be restored by mild actin destabilization. Thus, the elongation after loss of SadA/B results from an excessive stabilization of actin filaments and reduction of Drp1 recruitment to mitochondria.

Formin Activity and mDia1 Contribute to Maintain Axon Initial Segment Composition and Structure

The axon initial segment (AIS) is essential for maintaining neuronal polarity, modulating protein transport into the axon, and action potential generation. These functions are supported by a distinctive actin and microtubule cytoskeleton that controls axonal trafficking and maintains a high density of voltage-gated ion channels linked by scaffold proteins to the AIS cytoskeleton. However, our knowledge of the mechanisms and proteins involved in AIS cytoskeleton regulation to maintain or modulate AIS structure is limited. In this context, formins play a significant role in the modulation of actin and microtubules. We show that pharmacological inhibition of formins modifies AIS actin and microtubule characteristics in cultured hippocampal neurons, reducing F-actin density and decreasing microtubule acetylation. Moreover, formin inhibition diminishes sodium channels, ankyrinG and βIV-spectrin AIS density, and AIS length, in cultured neurons and brain slices, accompanied by decreased neuronal excitability. We show that genetic downregulation of the mDia1 formin by interference RNAs also decreases AIS protein density and shortens AIS length. The ankyrinG decrease and AIS shortening observed in pharmacologically inhibited neurons and neuron-expressing mDia1 shRNAs were impaired by HDAC6 downregulation or EB1-GFP expression, known to increase microtubule acetylation or stability. However, actin stabilization only partially prevented AIS shortening without affecting AIS protein density loss. These results suggest that mDia1 maintain AIS composition and length contributing to the stability of AIS microtubules.

Membrane Cholesterol Is a Critical Determinant for Hippocampal Neuronal Polarity

Maintaining a normal cholesterol balance is crucial for the functioning of a healthy brain. Dysregulation in cholesterol metabolism and homeostasis in the brain have been correlated to various neurological disorders. The majority of previous studies in primary cultures focus on the role of cholesterol balance in neuronal development after polarity has been established. Here we have investigated how transient alteration of membrane lipids, specifically cholesterol, affects neuronal development and polarity in developing hippocampal neurons prior to polarity establishment, soon after initiation of neurite outgrowth. We observed that temporary cholesterol perturbation affects axonal and dendritic development differentially in an opposing manner. Transient membrane cholesterol deficiency increased neuronal population with a single neurite, simultaneously generating a second population of neurons with supernumerary axons. Brief replenishment of cholesterol immediately after cholesterol sequestering rescued neuronal development defects and restored polarity. The results showed a small window of cholesterol concentration to be complementing neurite outgrowth, polarity reestablishment, and in determining the normal neuronal morphology, emphasizing the critical role of precise membrane lipid balance in defining the neuronal architecture. Membrane cholesterol enhancement modified neurite outgrowth but did not significantly alter polarity. Cholesterol sequestering at later stages of development has shown to enhance neurite outgrowth, whereas distinct effects for neurite development and polarity were observed at early developmental stages, signifying the relevance of precise membrane cholesterol balance in altering neuronal physiology. Our results confirm cholesterol to be a key determinant for axo-dendritic specification and neuronal architecture and emphasize the possibility to reverse neuronal developmental defects caused by cholesterol deficiency by modulating membrane cholesterol during the early developmental stages.

The Coordination of Local Translation, Membranous Organelle Trafficking, and Synaptic Plasticity in Neurons

Neurons are highly complex polarized cells, displaying an extraordinary degree of spatial compartmentalization. At presynaptic and postsynaptic sites, far from the cell body, local protein synthesis is utilized to continually modify the synaptic proteome, enabling rapid changes in protein production to support synaptic function. Synapses undergo diverse forms of plasticity, resulting in long-term, persistent changes in synapse strength, which are paramount for learning, memory, and cognition. It is now well-established that local translation of numerous synaptic proteins is essential for many forms of synaptic plasticity, and much work has gone into deciphering the strategies that neurons use to regulate activity-dependent protein synthesis. Recent studies have pointed to a coordination of the local mRNA translation required for synaptic plasticity and the trafficking of membranous organelles in neurons. This includes the co-trafficking of RNAs to their site of action using endosome/lysosome “transports,” the regulation of activity-dependent translation at synapses, and the role of mitochondria in fueling synaptic translation. Here, we review our current understanding of these mechanisms that impact local translation during synaptic plasticity, providing an overview of these novel and nuanced regulatory processes involving membranous organelles in neurons.

zapERtrap: A light-regulated ER release system reveals unexpected neuronal trafficking pathways

Here we introduce zapalog-mediated endoplasmic reticulum trap (zapERtrap), which allows one to use light to precisely trigger forward trafficking of diverse integral membrane proteins from internal secretory organelles to the cell surface with single cell and subcellular spatial resolution. To demonstrate its utility, we use zapERtrap in neurons to dissect where synaptic proteins emerge at the cell surface when processed through central (cell body) or remote (dendrites) secretory pathways. We reveal rapid and direct long-range trafficking of centrally processed proteins deep into the dendritic arbor to synaptic sites. Select proteins were also trafficked to the plasma membrane of the axon initial segment, revealing a novel surface trafficking hotspot. Proteins locally processed through dendritic secretory networks were widely dispersed before surface insertion, challenging assumptions for precise trafficking at remote sites. These experiments provide new insights into compartmentalized secretory trafficking and showcase the tunability and spatiotemporal control of zapERtrap, which will have broad applications for regulating cell signaling and function.

Axonal injury alters the extracellular glial environment of the axon initial segment and allows substantial mitochondrial influx into axon initial segment

The axon initial segment (AIS) is structurally and functionally distinct from other regions of the axon, yet alterations in the milieu of the AIS after brain injury have not been well characterized. In this study, we have examined extracellular and intracellular changes in the AIS after hypoglossal nerve injury. Microglial adhesions to the AIS were rarely observed in healthy controls, whereas microglial adhesions to the AIS became apparent in the axonal injury model. Regarding intra-AIS morphology, we focused on mitochondria because mitochondrial flow into the injured axon appears critical for axonal regeneration. To visualize mitochondria specifically in injured axons, we used Atf3:BAC transgenic mice whose mitochondria were labeled with GFP in response to nerve injury. These mice clearly showed mitochondrial localization in the AIS after nerve injury. To precisely confirm the light microscopic observations, we performed three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM). Although the healthy AIS was not surrounded by microglia, tight microglial adhesions with thick processes adhering to the AIS were observed after injury. FIB/SEM simultaneously allowed the observation of mitochondrial localization in the AIS. In the AIS of non-injured neurons, few mitochondria were observed, whereas mitochondria were abundantly localized in the cell body, axon hillock, and axon. Intriguingly, in the injured AIS, numerous mitochondria were observed throughout the AIS. Taken together, axonal injury changes the extracellular glial environment surrounding the AIS and intracellular mitochondrial localization in the AIS. These changes would be crucial responses, perhaps for injured neurons to regenerate after axonal injury.

The role of the membrane-associated periodic skeleton in axons

The identification of the membrane periodic skeleton (MPS), composed of a periodic lattice of actin rings interconnected by spectrin tetramers, was enabled by the development of super-resolution microscopy, and brought a new exciting perspective to our view of neuronal biology. This exquisite cytoskeleton arrangement plays an important role on mechanisms regulating neuronal (dys)function. The MPS was initially thought to provide mainly for axonal mechanical stability. Since its discovery, the importance of the MPS in multiple aspects of neuronal biology has, however, emerged. These comprise its capacity to act as a signaling platform, regulate axon diameter-with important consequences on the efficiency of axonal transport and electrophysiological properties- participate in the assembly and function of the axon initial segment, and control axon microtubule stability. Recently, MPS disassembly has also surfaced as an early player in the course of axon degeneration. Here, we will discuss the current knowledge on the role of the MPS in axonal physiology and disease.

EFA6 in Axon Regeneration, as a Microtubule Regulator and as a Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor

Axon regeneration after injury is a conserved biological process that involves a large number of molecular pathways, including rapid calcium influx at injury sites, retrograde injury signaling, epigenetic transition, transcriptional reprogramming, polarized transport, and cytoskeleton reorganization. Despite the numerous efforts devoted to understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of axon regeneration, the search continues for effective target molecules for improving axon regeneration. Although there have been significant historical efforts towards characterizing pro-regenerative factors involved in axon regeneration, the pursuit of intrinsic inhibitors is relatively recent. EFA6 (exchange factor for ARF6) has been demonstrated to inhibit axon regeneration in different organisms. EFA6 inhibition could be a promising therapeutic strategy to promote axon regeneration and functional recovery after axon injury. This review summarizes the inhibitory role on axon regeneration through regulating microtubule dynamics and through affecting ARF6 (ADP-ribosylation factor 6) GTPase-mediated integrin transport.

Neuronal Autophagy: Characteristic Features and Roles in Neuronal Pathophysiology

Autophagy is an important degradative pathway that eliminates misfolded proteins and damaged organelles from cells. Autophagy is crucial for neuronal homeostasis and function. A lack of or deficiency in autophagy leads to the accumulation of protein aggregates, which are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Compared with non-neuronal cells, neurons exhibit rapid autophagic flux because damaged organelles or protein aggregates cannot be diluted in post-mitotic cells; because of this, these cells exhibit characteristic features of autophagy, such as compartment-specific autophagy, which depends on polarized structures and rapid autophagy flux. In addition, neurons exhibit compartment-specific autophagy, which depends on polarized structures. Neuronal autophagy may have additional physiological roles other than amino acid recycling. In this review, we focus on the characteristics and regulatory factors of neuronal autophagy. We also describe intracellular selective autophagy in neurons and its association with neurodegenerative diseases.

The role of molecular diffusion within dendritic spines in synaptic function

Spines are tiny nanoscale protrusions from dendrites of neurons. In the cortex and hippocampus, most of the excitatory postsynaptic sites reside in spines. The bulbous spine head is connected to the dendritic shaft by a thin membranous neck. Because the neck is narrow, spine heads are thought to function as biochemically independent signaling compartments. Thus, dynamic changes in the composition, distribution, mobility, conformations, and signaling properties of molecules contained within spines can account for much of the molecular basis of postsynaptic function and regulation. A major factor in controlling these changes is the diffusional properties of proteins within this small compartment. Advances in measurement techniques using fluorescence microscopy now make it possible to measure molecular diffusion within single dendritic spines directly. Here, we review the regulatory mechanisms of diffusion in spines by local intra-spine architecture and discuss their implications for neuronal signaling and synaptic plasticity.

Anterograde transport of α-herpesviruses in neuronal axons

α-herpesviruses have been very successful, principally because they establish lifelong latency in sensory ganglia. An essential piece of the lifecycle of α-herpesviruses involves the capacity to travel from sensory neurons to epithelial tissues following virus reactivation from latency, a process known as anterograde transport. Virus particles formed in neuron cell bodies hitchhike on kinesin motors that run along microtubules, the length of axons. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and pseudorabies virus (PRV) have been intensely studied to elucidate anterograde axonal transport. Both viruses use similar strategies for anterograde transport, although there are significant differences in the form of virus particles transported in axons, the identity of the kinesins that transport viruses, and how certain viral membrane proteins, gE/gI and US9, participate in this process. This review compares the older models for HSV and PRV anterograde transport with recent results, which are casting a new light on several aspects of this process.

Trafficking mechanisms underlying Nav channel subcellular localization in neurons

Voltage gated sodium channels (Nav) play a crucial role in action potential initiation and propagation. Although the discovery of Nav channels dates back more than 65 years, and great advances in understanding their localization, biophysical properties, and links to disease have been made, there are still many questions to be answered regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in Nav channel trafficking, localization and regulation. This review summarizes the different trafficking mechanisms underlying the polarized Nav channel localization in neurons, with an emphasis on the axon initial segment (AIS), as well as discussing the latest advances regarding how neurons regulate their excitability by modifying AIS length and location. The importance of Nav channel localization is emphasized by the relationship between mutations, impaired trafficking and disease. While this review focuses on Nav1.6, other Nav isoforms are also discussed.

Cytoskeletal and synaptic polarity of LWamide-like+ ganglion neurons in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis

The centralized nervous systems of bilaterian animals rely on directional signaling facilitated by polarized neurons with specialized axons and dendrites. It is not known whether axo-dendritic polarity is exclusive to bilaterians or was already present in early metazoans. We therefore examined neurite polarity in the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis (Cnidaria). Cnidarians form a sister clade to bilaterians and share many neuronal building blocks characteristic of bilaterians, including channels, receptors and synaptic proteins, but their nervous systems comprise a comparatively simple net distributed throughout the body. We developed a tool kit of fluorescent polarity markers for live imaging analysis of polarity in an identified neuron type, large ganglion cells of the body column nerve net that express the LWamide-like neuropeptide. Microtubule polarity differs in bilaterian axons and dendrites, and this in part underlies polarized distribution of cargo to the two types of processes. However, in LWamide-like+ neurons, all neurites had axon-like microtubule polarity suggesting that they may have similar contents. Indeed, presynaptic and postsynaptic markers trafficked to all neurites and accumulated at varicosities where neurites from different neurons often crossed, suggesting the presence of bidirectional synaptic contacts. Furthermore, we could not identify a diffusion barrier in the plasma membrane of any of the neurites like the axon initial segment barrier that separates the axonal and somatodendritic compartments in bilaterian neurons. We conclude that at least one type of neuron in Nematostella vectensis lacks the axo-dendritic polarity characteristic of bilaterian neurons.

Synaptic vesicle traffic is supported by transient actin filaments and regulated by PKA and NO

Synaptic vesicles (SVs) can be pooled across multiple synapses, prompting questions about their dynamic allocation for neurotransmission and plasticity. We find that the axonal traffic of recycling vesicles is not supported by ubiquitous microtubule-based motility but relies on actin instead. Vesicles freed from synaptic clusters undergo ~1 µm bouts of active transport, initiated by nearby elongation of actin filaments. Long distance translocation arises when successive bouts of active transport were linked by periods of free diffusion. The availability of SVs for active transport can be promptly increased by protein kinase A, a key player in neuromodulation. Vesicle motion is in turn impeded by shutting off axonal actin polymerization, mediated by nitric oxide-cyclic GMP signaling leading to inhibition of RhoA. These findings provide a potential framework for coordinating post-and pre-synaptic strength, using retrograde regulation of axonal actin dynamics to mobilize and recruit presynaptic SV resources.

Drosophila Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels Are Only Expressed in Active Neurons and Are Localized to Distal Axonal Initial Segment-like Domains

In multipolar vertebrate neurons, action potentials (APs) initiate close to the soma, at the axonal initial segment. Invertebrate neurons are typically unipolar with dendrites integrating directly into the axon. Where APs are initiated in the axons of invertebrate neurons is unclear. Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are a functional hallmark of the axonal initial segment in vertebrates. We used an intronic Minos-Mediated Integration Cassette to determine the endogenous gene expression and subcellular localization of the sole NaV channel in both male and female Drosophila, para Despite being the only NaV channel in the fly, we show that only 23 ± 1% of neurons in the embryonic and larval CNS express para, while in the adult CNS para is broadly expressed. We generated a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the whole third instar larval brain to identify para expressing neurons and show that it positively correlates with markers of differentiated, actively firing neurons. Therefore, only 23 ± 1% of larval neurons may be capable of firing NaV-dependent APs. We then show that Para is enriched in an axonal segment, distal to the site of dendritic integration into the axon, which we named the distal axonal segment (DAS). The DAS is present in multiple neuron classes in both the third instar larval and adult CNS. Whole cell patch clamp electrophysiological recordings of adult CNS fly neurons are consistent with the interpretation that Nav-dependent APs originate in the DAS. Identification of the distal NaV localization in fly neurons will enable more accurate interpretation of electrophysiological recordings in invertebrates.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The site of action potential (AP) initiation in invertebrates is unknown. We tagged the sole voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel in the fly, para, and identified that Para is enriched at a distal axonal segment. The distal axonal segment is located distal to where dendrites impinge on axons and is the likely site of AP initiation. Understanding where APs are initiated improves our ability to model neuronal activity and our interpretation of electrophysiological data. Additionally, para is only expressed in 23 ± 1% of third instar larval neurons but is broadly expressed in adults. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the third instar larval brain shows that para expression correlates with the expression of active, differentiated neuronal markers. Therefore, only 23 ± 1% of third instar larval neurons may be able to actively fire NaV-dependent APs.

Spastin depletion increases tubulin polyglutamylation and impairs kinesin-mediated neuronal transport, leading to working and associative memory deficits

Mutations in the gene encoding the microtubule-severing protein spastin (spastic paraplegia 4 [SPG4]) cause hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), associated with neurodegeneration, spasticity, and motor impairment. Complicated forms (complicated HSP [cHSP]) further include cognitive deficits and dementia; however, the etiology and dysfunctional mechanisms of cHSP have remained unknown. Here, we report specific working and associative memory deficits upon spastin depletion in mice. Loss of spastin-mediated severing leads to reduced synapse numbers, accompanied by lower miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) frequencies. At the subcellular level, mutant neurons are characterized by longer microtubules with increased tubulin polyglutamylation levels. Notably, these conditions reduce kinesin-microtubule binding, impair the processivity of kinesin family protein (KIF) 5, and reduce the delivery of presynaptic vesicles and postsynaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. Rescue experiments confirm the specificity of these results by showing that wild-type spastin, but not the severing-deficient and disease-associated K388R mutant, normalizes the effects at the synaptic, microtubule, and transport levels. In addition, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated reduction of tubulin polyglutamylation on spastin knockout background normalizes KIF5 transport deficits and attenuates the loss of excitatory synapses. Our data provide a mechanism that connects spastin dysfunction with the regulation of kinesin-mediated cargo transport, synapse integrity, and cognition.

This study identifies deficits in working and associative memory in spastin knockout mice, resembling the cognitive deficits described in humans with severe forms of SPG4-type hereditary spastic paraplegia. Mechanistically, the findings suggest that impaired microtubule growth, kinesin motility and cargo delivery of synaptic AMPA receptors may contribute to the etiology of the disease.

The Spatiotemporal Construction of the Axon Initial Segment via KIF3/KAP3/TRIM46 Transport under MARK2 Signaling

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a compartment that serves as a molecular barrier to achieve axon-dendrite differentiation. Distribution of specific proteins during early neuronal development has been proposed to be critical for AIS construction. However, it remains unknown how these proteins are specifically targeted to the proximal axon within this limited time period. Here, we reveal spatiotemporal regulation driven by the microtubule (MT)-based motor KIF3A/B/KAP3 that transports TRIM46, influenced by a specific MARK2 phosphorylation cascade. In the proximal part of the future axon under low MARK2 activity, the KIF3/KAP3 motor recognizes TRIM46 as cargo and transports it to the future AIS. In contrast, in the somatodendritic area under high MARK2 activity, KAP3 phosphorylated at serine 60 by MARK2 cannot bind with TRIM46 and be transported. This spatiotemporal regulation between KIF3/KAP3 and TRIM46 under specific MARK2 activity underlies the specific transport needed for axonal differentiation.

Whole-Cell Photobleaching Reveals Time-Dependent Compartmentalization of Soluble Proteins by the Axon Initial Segment

By limiting protein exchange between the soma and the axon, the axon initial segment (AIS) enables the segregation of specific proteins and hence the differentiation of the somatodendritic compartment and the axonal compartment. Electron microscopy and super-resolution fluorescence imaging have provided important insights in the ultrastructure of the AIS. Yet, the full extent of its filtering properties is not fully delineated. In particular, it is unclear whether and how the AIS opposes the free exchange of soluble proteins. Here we describe a robust framework to combine whole-cell photobleaching and retrospective high-resolution imaging in developing neurons. With this assay, we found that cytoplasmic soluble proteins that are not excluded from the axon upon expression over tens of hours exhibit a strong mobility reduction at the AIS – i.e., are indeed compartmentalized – when monitored over tens of minutes. This form of compartmentalization is developmentally regulated, requires intact F-actin and may be correlated with the composition and ultrastructure of the submembranous spectrin cytoskeleton. Using computational modeling, we provide evidence that both neuronal morphology and the AIS regulate this compartmentalization but act on distinct time scales, with the AIS having a more pronounced effect on fast exchanges. Our results thus suggest that the rate of protein accumulation in the soma may impact to what extent and over which timescales freely moving molecules can be segregated from the axon. This in turn has important implications for our understanding of compartment-specific signaling in neurons.

Deletion of the Pseudorabies Virus gE/gI-US9p complex disrupts kinesin KIF1A and KIF5C recruitment during egress, and alters the properties of microtubule-dependent transport in vitro

During infection of neurons by alphaherpesviruses including Pseudorabies virus (PRV) and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) viral nucleocapsids assemble in the cell nucleus, become enveloped in the cell body then traffic into and down axons to nerve termini for spread to adjacent epithelia. The viral membrane protein US9p and the membrane glycoprotein heterodimer gE/gI play critical roles in anterograde spread of both HSV-1 and PRV, and several models exist to explain their function. Biochemical studies suggest that PRV US9p associates with the kinesin-3 motor KIF1A in a gE/gI-stimulated manner, and the gE/gI-US9p complex has been proposed to recruit KIF1A to PRV for microtubule-mediated anterograde trafficking into or along the axon. However, as loss of gE/gI-US9p essentially abolishes delivery of alphaherpesviruses to the axon it is difficult to determine the microtubule-dependent trafficking properties and motor-composition of Δ(gE/gI-US9p) particles. Alternatively, studies in HSV-1 have suggested that gE/gI and US9p are required for the appearance of virions in the axon because they act upstream, to help assemble enveloped virions in the cell body. We prepared Δ(gE/gI-US9p) mutant, and control parental PRV particles from differentiated cultured neuronal or porcine kidney epithelial cells and quantitated the efficiency of virion assembly, the properties of microtubule-dependent transport and the ability of viral particles to recruit kinesin motors. We find that loss of gE/gI-US9p has no significant effect upon PRV particle assembly but leads to greatly diminished plus end-directed traffic, and enhanced minus end-directed and bidirectional movement along microtubules. PRV particles prepared from infected differentiated mouse CAD neurons were found to be associated with either kinesin KIF1A or kinesin KIF5C, but not both. Loss of gE/gI-US9p resulted in failure to recruit KIF1A and KF5C, but did not affect dynein binding. Unexpectedly, while KIF5C was expressed in undifferentiated and differentiated CAD neurons it was only found associated with PRV particles prepared from differentiated cells.

Spatial control of membrane traffic in neuronal dendrites

Neuronal dendrites are highly branched and specialized compartments with distinct structures and secretory organelles (e.g., spines, Golgi outposts), and a unique cytoskeletal organization that includes microtubules of mixed polarity. Dendritic membranes are enriched with proteins, which specialize in the formation and function of the post-synaptic membrane of the neuronal synapse. How these proteins partition preferentially in dendrites, and how they traffic in a manner that is spatiotemporally accurate and regulated by synaptic activity are long-standing questions of neuronal cell biology. Recent studies have shed new insights into the spatial control of dendritic membrane traffic, revealing new classes of proteins (e.g., septins) and cytoskeleton-based mechanisms with dendrite-specific functions. Here, we review these advances by revisiting the fundamental mechanisms that control membrane traffic at the levels of protein sorting and motor-driven transport on microtubules and actin filaments. Overall, dendrites possess unique mechanisms for the spatial control of membrane traffic, which might have specialized and co-evolved with their highly arborized morphology.

Tropomyosin Tpm3.1 Is Required to Maintain the Structure and Function of the Axon Initial Segment

The axon initial segment (AIS) is the site of action potential initiation and serves as a cargo transport filter and diffusion barrier that helps maintain neuronal polarity. The AIS actin cytoskeleton comprises actin patches and periodic sub-membranous actin rings. We demonstrate that tropomyosin isoform Tpm3.1 co-localizes with actin patches and that the inhibition of Tpm3.1 led to a reduction in the density of actin patches. Furthermore, Tpm3.1 showed a periodic distribution similar to sub-membranous actin rings but Tpm3.1 was only partially congruent with sub-membranous actin rings. Nevertheless, the inhibition of Tpm3.1 affected the uniformity of the periodicity of actin rings. Furthermore, Tpm3.1 inhibition led to reduced accumulation of AIS structural and functional proteins, disruption in sorting somatodendritic and axonal proteins, and a reduction in firing frequency. These results show that Tpm3.1 is necessary for the structural and functional maintenance of the AIS.

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Tropomyosin isoform Tpm3.1 co-localizes with the actin cytoskeleton in the AIS

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Tpm3.1 inhibition led to a less organized AIS actin cytoskeleton

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Perturbation of Tpm3.1 function reduced the accumulation of AIS scaffolding proteins

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Tpm3.1 inhibition compromised cargo sorting and rapidly reduced firing frequency

Diversity of Axonal and Dendritic Contributions to Neuronal Output

Our general understanding of neuronal function is that dendrites receive information that is transmitted to the axon, where action potentials (APs) are initiated and propagated to eventually trigger neurotransmitter release at synaptic terminals. Even though this canonical division of labor is true for a number of neuronal types in the mammalian brain (including neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons or cerebellar Purkinje neurons), many neuronal types do not comply with this classical polarity scheme. In fact, dendrites can be the site of AP initiation and propagation, and even neurotransmitter release. In several interneuron types, all functions are carried out by dendrites as these neurons are devoid of a canonical axon. In this article, we present a few examples of "misbehaving" neurons (with a non-canonical polarity scheme) to highlight the diversity of solutions that are used by mammalian neurons to transmit information. Moreover, we discuss how the contribution of dendrites and axons to neuronal excitability may impose constraints on the morphology of these compartments in specific functional contexts.

Specific depletion of the motor protein KIF5B leads to deficits in dendritic transport, synaptic plasticity and memory

The kinesin I family of motor proteins are crucial for axonal transport, but their roles in dendritic transport and postsynaptic function are not well-defined. Gene duplication and subsequent diversification give rise to three homologous kinesin I proteins (KIF5A, KIF5B and KIF5C) in vertebrates, but it is not clear whether and how they exhibit functional specificity. Here we show that knockdown of KIF5A or KIF5B differentially affects excitatory synapses and dendritic transport in hippocampal neurons. The functional specificities of the two kinesins are determined by their diverse carboxyl-termini, where arginine methylation occurs in KIF5B and regulates its function. KIF5B conditional knockout mice exhibit deficits in dendritic spine morphogenesis, synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Our findings provide insights into how expansion of the kinesin I family during evolution leads to diversification and specialization of motor proteins in regulating postsynaptic function.

Transporting molecules within a cell becomes a daunting task when the cell is a neuron, with fibers called axons and dendrites that can stretch as long as a meter. Neurons use many different molecules to send messages across the body and store memories in the brain. If the right molecules cannot be delivered along the length of nerve cells, connections to neighboring neurons may decay, which may impair learning and memory.

Motor proteins are responsible for transporting molecules within cells. Kinesins are a type of motor protein that typically transports materials from the body of a neuron to the cell’s periphery, including the dendrites, which is where a neuron receives messages from other nerve cells. Each cell has up to 45 different kinesin motors, but it is not known whether each one performs a distinct task or if they have overlapping roles.

Now, Zhao, Fok et al. have studied two similar kinesins, called KIF5A and KIF5B, in rodent neurons to determine their roles. First, it was shown that both proteins were found at dendritic spines, which are small outgrowths on dendrites where contact with other cells occurs. Next, KIF5A and KIF5B were depleted, one at a time, from neurons extracted from a brain region called the hippocampus. Removing KIF5B interfered with the formation of dendritic spines, but removing KIF5A did not have an effect. Dendritic spines are essential for learning and memory, so several behavioral tests were conducted on mice that had been genetically modified to express less KIF5B in the forebrain. These tests revealed that the mice performed poorly in tasks that tested their memory recall.

This work opens a new area of research studying the specific roles of different kinesin motor proteins in nerve cells. This could have important implications because certain kinesin motor proteins such as KIF5A are known to be defective in some inherited neurodegenerative diseases.

Mapping axon initial segment structure and function by multiplexed proximity biotinylation

Axon initial segments (AISs) generate action potentials and regulate the polarized distribution of proteins, lipids, and organelles in neurons. While the mechanisms of AIS Na⁺ and K⁺ channel clustering are understood, the molecular mechanisms that stabilize the AIS and control neuronal polarity remain obscure. Here, we use proximity biotinylation and mass spectrometry to identify the AIS proteome. We target the biotin-ligase BirA* to the AIS by generating fusion proteins of BirA* with NF186, Ndel1, and Trim46; these chimeras map the molecular organization of AIS intracellular membrane, cytosolic, and microtubule compartments. Our experiments reveal a diverse set of biotinylated proteins not previously reported at the AIS. We show many are located at the AIS, interact with known AIS proteins, and their loss disrupts AIS structure and function. Our results provide conceptual insights and a resource for AIS molecular organization, the mechanisms of AIS stability, and polarized trafficking in neurons.

Mechanistic insights into the interactions of dynein regulator Ndel1 with neuronal ankyrins and implications in polarity maintenance

Ankyrin-G (AnkG), a highly enriched scaffold protein in the axon initial segment (AIS) of neurons, functions to maintain axonal polarity and the integrity of the AIS. At the AIS, AnkG regulates selective intracellular cargo trafficking between soma and axons via interaction with the dynein regulator protein Ndel1, but the molecular mechanism underlying this binding remains elusive. Here we report that Ndel1's C-terminal coiled-coil region (CT-CC) binds to giant neuron-specific insertion regions present in both AnkG and AnkB with 2:1 stoichiometry. The high-resolution crystal structure of AnkB in complex with Ndel1 CT-CC revealed the detailed molecular basis governing the AnkB/Ndel1 complex formation. Mechanistically, AnkB binds with Ndel1 by forming a stable 5-helix bundle dominated by hydrophobic interactions spread across 6 distinct interaction layers. Moreover, we found that AnkG is essential for Ndel1 accumulation at the AIS. Finally, we found that cargo sorting at the AIS can be disrupted by blocking the AnkG/Ndel1 complex formation using a peptide designed based on our structural data. Collectively, the atomic structure of the AnkB/Ndel1 complex together with studies of cargo sorting through the AIS establish the mechanistic basis for AnkG/Ndel1 complex formation and for the maintenance of axonal polarity. Our study will also be valuable for future studies of the interaction between AnkB and Ndel1 perhaps at distal axonal cargo transport.