Neurons have the capability to activate pathways that cause degeneration of either the entire cell by apoptosis or only the axons. Axon-specific degeneration is physiologically important as it allows neurons to remove excessive or misguided axon branches and permit plasticity in neuronal connections. However, exactly how a neuron can activate and compartmentalize this degenerative pathway to destroy its axon without putting the rest of the cell at risk is unclear. This is particularly interesting since recent studies idenified Bax, a key protein in the apoptosis pathway, to also regulate axon-specific degeneration. Our goal is to focus on the molecular intersection between apoptosis and axon-specific degeneration pathways. First, we established a microfluidic chamber-based model of sympathetic neurons where deprivation of nerve growth factor (NGF) from the axon compartment only induces axon-specific degeneration whereas NGF deprivation from the axon and soma compartments induces apoptosis. Second, we found substantial overlap between apoptosis and axon-specific degeneration but also identified distinct and unexpected differences. For example, while apoptosis required both Apaf-1 and Caspase-9 (Casp9), we found axon degeneration to require Casp9 but, surprisingly, not Apaf-1. Our results also show that neurons are exquisitely capable of selectively engaging apoptosis or axon-specific degeneration as mature neurons completely restrict apoptosis but remain permissive for axon degeneration. In this proposal, we will investigate several novel mechanisms by which neurons regulate axon-specific degeneration. We will focus specifically on determining how Bax is activated in this pathway (Aim 1), examining the mechanism by which Casp9 is activated independently of Apaf-1 (Aim 2), and probing the mechanism by which mature neurons selectively restrict apoptosis but remain permissive for axon degeneration (Aim 3). These studies will undoubtedly uncover critical aspects of how neurons utilize many of the same components for apoptosis and axon-selective degeneration but engage distinct mechanisms to allow precise spatial and temporal control over the activation of these pathways.

Public Health Relevance

Our main goal is to understand the molecular mechanism by which neurons activate pathways that induce axon degeneration. Axon-specific degeneration is physiologically important as it allows for the removal of excessive or misguided axon branches and permits the establishment of new neuronal connections. Importantly, axon degeneration is also seen in many neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases) where it impairs normal neuronal functions. The results from this study will help identify key mechanisms by which axon degeneration can be controlled for potential therapeutic benefit.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
High Priority, Short Term Project Award (R56)
Project #
1R56NS083384-01A1
Application #
8870563
Study Section
Neural Oxidative Metabolism and Death Study Section (NOMD)
Program Officer
Gubitz, Amelie
Project Start
2014-08-15
Project End
2015-07-31
Budget Start
2014-08-15
Budget End
2015-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$377,001
Indirect Cost
$127,001
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599
Annis, Ryan P; Swahari, Vijay; Nakamura, Ayumi et al. (2016) Mature neurons dynamically restrict apoptosis via redundant premitochondrial brakes. FEBS J 283:4569-4582
Geden, Matthew J; Deshmukh, Mohanish (2016) Axon degeneration: context defines distinct pathways. Curr Opin Neurobiol 39:108-15