UNC-116 and UNC-16 function with the NEKL-3 kinase to promote axon targeting

Ortholog of autism candidate gene RBM27 regulates mitoribosomal assembly factor MALS-1 to protect against mitochondrial dysfunction and axon degeneration during neurodevelopment

Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be a key component of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disability, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that protect against mitochondrial dysfunction during neurodevelopment. Here, we address this question through the investigation of rbm-26, the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of the RBM27 autism candidate gene, which encodes an RNA-binding protein whose role in neurons is unknown. We report that RBM-26 (RBM26/27) protects against axonal defects by negatively regulating expression of the MALS-1 (MALSU1) mitoribosomal assembly factor. Autism-associated missense variants in RBM-26 cause a sharp decrease in RBM-26 protein expression along with defects in axon overlap and axon degeneration that occurs during larval development. Using a biochemical screen, we identified the mRNA for the MALS-1 mitoribosomal assembly factor as a binding partner for RBM-26. Loss of RBM-26 function causes a dramatic overexpression of mals-1 mRNA and MALS-1 protein. Moreover, genetic analysis indicates that this overexpression of MALS-1 is responsible for the mitochondrial and axon degeneration defects in rbm-26 mutants. These observations reveal a mechanism that regulates expression of a mitoribosomal assembly factor to protect against axon degeneration during neurodevelopment.

Molecular regulation of axon termination in mechanosensory neurons

Spatially and temporally accurate termination of axon outgrowth, a process called axon termination, is required for efficient, precise nervous system construction and wiring. The mechanosensory neurons that sense low-threshold mechanical stimulation or gentle touch have proven exceptionally valuable for studying axon termination over the past 40 years. In this Review, we discuss progress made in deciphering the molecular and genetic mechanisms that govern axon termination in touch receptor neurons. Findings across model organisms, including Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish and mice, have revealed that complex signaling is required for termination with conserved principles and players beginning to surface. A key emerging theme is that axon termination is mediated by complex signaling networks that include ubiquitin ligase signaling hubs, kinase cascades, transcription factors, guidance/adhesion receptors and growth factors. Here, we begin a discussion about how these signaling networks could represent termination codes that trigger cessation of axon outgrowth in different species and types of mechanosensory neurons.

UNC-16 interacts with LRK-1 and WDFY-3 to regulate the termination of axon growth

In humans, MAPK8IP3 (also known as JIP3) is a neurodevelopmental disorder-associated gene. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the UNC-16 ortholog of the MAPK8IP3 protein can regulate the termination of axon growth. However, its role in this process is not well understood. Here, we report that UNC-16 promotes axon termination through a process that includes the LRK-1 (LRRK-1/LRRK-2) kinase and the WDFY-3 (WDFY3/Alfy) selective autophagy protein. Genetic analysis suggests that UNC-16 promotes axon termination through an interaction between its RH1 domain and the dynein complex. Loss of unc-16 function causes accumulation of late endosomes specifically in the distal axon. Moreover, we observe synergistic interactions between loss of unc-16 function and disruptors of endolysosomal function, indicating that the endolysosomal system promotes axon termination. We also find that the axon termination defects caused by loss of UNC-16 function require the function of a genetic pathway that includes lrk-1 and wdfy-3, 2 genes that have been implicated in autophagy. These observations suggest a model where UNC-16 promotes axon termination by interacting with the endolysosomal system to regulate a pathway that includes LRK-1 and WDFY-3.

UNC-16 interacts with LRK-1 and WDFY-3 to regulate the termination of axon growth

MAPK8IP3 (unc-16/JIP3) is a neurodevelopmental-disorder associated gene that can regulate the termination of axon growth. However, its role in this process is not well understood. Here, we report that UNC-16 promotes axon termination through a process that includes the LRK-1(LRRK-1/LRRK-2) kinase and the WDFY-3 (WDFY3/Alfy) selective autophagy protein. Genetic analysis suggests that UNC-16 promotes axon termination through an interaction between its RH1 domain and the dynein complex. Loss of unc-16 function causes accumulation of late endosomes specifically in the distal axon. Moreover, we observe synergistic interactions between loss of unc-16 function and disruptors of endolysosomal function, indicating that the endolysosomal system promotes axon termination. We also find that the axon termination defects caused by loss of UNC-16 function require the function of a genetic pathway that includes lrk-1 and wdfy-3, two genes that have been implicated in autophagy. These observations suggest a model where UNC-16 promotes axon termination by interacting with the endolysosomal system to regulate a pathway that includes LRK-1 and WDFY-3.