Links between neurotrophin signals that regulate neuronal morphology and the neuronal cytoskeleton have remained elusive. In vitro, we have identified a pathway downstream of NGF involving spatially localized PI3K and GSK-3b signaling and binding of the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli protein (APC) to microtubule + ends at the growth cone. We hypothesize that this pathway mediates microtubule assembly during NGF induced axon growth. Both APC and GSK-3b are also strikingly localized to the distal axon tips and growth cones of rapidly growing axons of """"""""precondition lesioned"""""""" DRG neurons in vitro. Thus we hypothesize the GSK-3b/APC pathway mediates microtubule assembly in regenerative axon growth as well. In vivo functions of GSK-3b and APC related to nervous system development have not yet been explored because of embryonic lethality in gene targeted mice and because each has a related family member also heavily expressed in the mammalian nervous system that may have a """"""""compensatory"""""""" function. We plan to address in vivo roles of these proteins in the current proposal. We will generate inducible, DRG-specific knock-outs for GSK-3a, GSK-3b, APC, APC-L, and an upstream kinase, ILK. Using DRG specific axonal reporter mice, we will determine the roles of the GSK-3b/APC pathway in the development of peripheral and spinal cord DRG projections and in the axon regeneration normally induced by a peripheral nerve crush. If GSK-3b and APC are found to be required for assembly of microtubules during axon regeneration in vivo, and if key upstream regulators can be identified, our studies would provide a new pharmacological approach to enhancing axon regeneration after injur ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS050968-04
Application #
7234278
Study Section
Neurodifferentiation, Plasticity, and Regeneration Study Section (NDPR)
Program Officer
Mamounas, Laura
Project Start
2004-09-15
Project End
2009-04-30
Budget Start
2007-05-01
Budget End
2008-04-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$320,130
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599
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Zhou, Feng-Quan; Walzer, Mark; Wu, Yao-Hong et al. (2006) Neurotrophins support regenerative axon assembly over CSPGs by an ECM-integrin-independent mechanism. J Cell Sci 119:2787-96

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