The nodes of Ranvier of myelinated axons are critical for action potential propagation by saltatory conduction and are a striking example of the exquisite domain organization characteristic of neurons. Nodes are comprised of a multimeric complex that includes voltage gated sodium and potassium channels, accessory beta subunits, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and a cytoskeletal complex that includes ankyrin G to which channels and CAMs bind. Our recent studies indicate that the node assembles from distinct sources. CAMs, notably NF186, accumulate at forming nodes by redistribution from existing pools on the axon surface via diffusion trapping from interactions with the Schwann cell. In contrast, channels and cytoskeletal proteins are delivered to the node primarily via axonal transport. Surprisingly, there also appears to be a pool of sodium channels that traffics and accumulates at the node independent of transport and of ankyrin G. Finally, our studies suggest there is an active program to clear nodal proteins from extranodal sites that further reinforces their selective enrichment at the node. To extend these findings and further elucidate the mechanisms of node assembly, we will investigate trafficking and assembly of components of the node, and how they are cleared from extranodal sites, by live imaging strategies in myelinating cocultures. In particular, we will: i) determine whether vesicles that transport components to the nodes segregate into those specific for CAMs and others for ion channels, and exhibit any domain specificity, ii) characterize transport-dependent and -independent trafficking of sodium channel components to the node, including the roles of ankyrin G and NF186, respectively, and determine whether the sodium channel complex assembles locally, and i) investigate how nodal components are cleared from extranodal sites, focusing on NF186 to examine further the role of its cytoplasmic segment and that of endocytosis and proteolysis in clearing the internodal, surface pool of NF186. Relevance: These studies will elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the assembly of the node of Ranvier, which is critical to the ability of nerve fibers to conduct electrical impulses appropriately. Findings in this study may therefore have important implications for our understanding of the pathogenesis of disorders of myelinated fibers, including neuropathies that result in aberrant nerve conduction, and may thereby lead to new therapeutic strategies for these neurological disorders.

Public Health Relevance

These studies will elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the assembly of the node of Ranvier, which is critical to the ability of nerve fibers to conduct electrical impulses appropriately. Findings in this study may therefore have important implications for our understanding of the pathogenesis of disorders of myelinated fibers, including neuropathies that result in aberrant nerve conduction, and may thereby lead to new therapeutic strategies for these neurological disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS043474-12
Application #
8699276
Study Section
Cellular and Molecular Biology of Glia Study Section (CMBG)
Program Officer
Lavaute, Timothy M
Project Start
2002-04-01
Project End
2018-07-31
Budget Start
2015-08-01
Budget End
2016-07-31
Support Year
12
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$370,781
Indirect Cost
$152,031
Name
New York University
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
121911077
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10016
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Lim, Hyungsik; Sharoukhov, Denis; Kassim, Imran et al. (2014) Label-free imaging of Schwann cell myelination by third harmonic generation microscopy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 111:18025-30
Einheber, Steven; Meng, Xiaosong; Rubin, Marina et al. (2013) The 4.1B cytoskeletal protein regulates the domain organization and sheath thickness of myelinated axons. Glia 61:240-53
Zhang, Yanqing; Bekku, Yoko; Dzhashiashvili, Yulia et al. (2012) Assembly and maintenance of nodes of ranvier rely on distinct sources of proteins and targeting mechanisms. Neuron 73:92-107
Chen, Chunling; Calhoun, Jeffrey D; Zhang, Yanqing et al. (2012) Identification of the cysteine residue responsible for disulfide linkage of Na+ channel ? and ?2 subunits. J Biol Chem 287:39061-9
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Maurel, Patrice; Einheber, Steven; Galinska, Jolanta et al. (2007) Nectin-like proteins mediate axon Schwann cell interactions along the internode and are essential for myelination. J Cell Biol 178:861-74
Dzhashiashvili, Yulia; Zhang, Yanqing; Galinska, Jolanta et al. (2007) Nodes of Ranvier and axon initial segments are ankyrin G-dependent domains that assemble by distinct mechanisms. J Cell Biol 177:857-70
Einheber, Steven; Bhat, Manzoor A; Salzer, James L (2006) Disrupted Axo-Glial Junctions Result in Accumulation of Abnormal Mitochondria at Nodes of Ranvier. Neuron Glia Biol 2:165-174
Melendez-Vasquez, Carmen; Carey, David J; Zanazzi, George et al. (2005) Differential expression of proteoglycans at central and peripheral nodes of Ranvier. Glia 52:301-8

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