Ion channel clustering in myelinated axons is essential for proper nervous system function. Ion channels are clustered at nodes of Ranvier through neuron-glia interactions. However, the mechanisms responsible for channel clustering remain poorly understood. Recent studies suggest that multiple mechanisms may contribute to node formation. Among these, the axonal submembranous cytoskeleton comprised of ankyrins and spectrins has been proposed to be key components. In particular, nodes of Ranvier themselves are enriched with ankyrinG (ankG) and IV spectrin; ankG is thought to bind directly to the Na+ and K+ channels, and then link to the actin cytoskeleton through IV spectrin. At paranodes, both ankyrinB and II spectrin are clustered, although their functions at paranodes remain unknown. Paranodes are also thought to function as a paranodal diffusion barrier and a second mechanism to mediate ion channel clustering at nodes, although the mechanisms responsible for this barrier function remain unknown. Furthermore, a major impediment to elucidating the function of paranodes is the relatively few proteins that have been identified at this site. In this proposal we will seek to determine the function of the nodal and paranodal cytoskeletons in node of Ranvier assembly and maintenance. We will do this using three new mouse models that utilize Cre-Lox technology to control the temporal and spatial (cell-type specific) expression of ankG, ankB, and II spectrin. We will silence expression of these proteins in peripheral sensory neurons, in retinal ganglion cells, and in myelinating glia during both development and in adults. Finally, we will use proteomic methods to identify new paranodal proteins, and then seek to determine their functions.
Nodes of Ranvier are required for proper nervous system function, and many diseases or injuries disrupt nodes. Therapies for nervous system diseases will require a detailed understanding of how nodes form. We propose that the cytoskeleton consisting of ankyrins and spectrins plays important roles in node assembly and maintenance. We have developed a variety of mutant mouse models that will allow us to test this idea.
| Huang, Claire Yu-Mei; Rasband, Matthew N (2018) Axon initial segments: structure, function, and disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1420:46-61 |
| Susuki, Keiichiro; Zollinger, Daniel R; Chang, Kae-Jiun et al. (2018) Glial ?II Spectrin Contributes to Paranode Formation and Maintenance. J Neurosci 38:6063-6075 |
| Wang, Chih-Chuan; Ortiz-González, Xilma R; Yum, Sabrina W et al. (2018) ?IV Spectrinopathies Cause Profound Intellectual Disability, Congenital Hypotonia, and Motor Axonal Neuropathy. Am J Hum Genet 102:1158-1168 |
| Huang, Claire Yu-Mei; Zhang, Chuansheng; Ho, Tammy Szu-Yu et al. (2017) ?II Spectrin Forms a Periodic Cytoskeleton at the Axon Initial Segment and Is Required for Nervous System Function. J Neurosci 37:11311-11322 |
| Marin, Miguel A; Rasband, Matthew N (2017) Reassembly of the axon initial segment and nodes of Ranvier in regenerated axons of the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 12:1276-1277 |
| Amor, Veronique; Zhang, Chuansheng; Vainshtein, Anna et al. (2017) The paranodal cytoskeleton clusters Na+ channels at nodes of Ranvier. Elife 6: |
| Huang, Claire Yu-Mei; Zhang, Chuansheng; Zollinger, Daniel R et al. (2017) An ?II Spectrin-Based Cytoskeleton Protects Large-Diameter Myelinated Axons from Degeneration. J Neurosci 37:11323-11334 |
| Marin, Miguel A; Ziburkus, Jokubus; Jankowsky, Joanna et al. (2016) Amyloid-? plaques disrupt axon initial segments. Exp Neurol 281:93-8 |
| Yoshimura, Takeshi; Stevens, Sharon R; Leterrier, Cristophe et al. (2016) Developmental Changes in Expression of ?IV Spectrin Splice Variants at Axon Initial Segments and Nodes of Ranvier. Front Cell Neurosci 10:304 |
| Zhang, Chuansheng; Rasband, Matthew N (2016) Cytoskeletal control of axon domain assembly and function. Curr Opin Neurobiol 39:116-21 |
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