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| Subject Categories: Cell & Tissue Architecture | Neuroscience |
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| The EMBO Journal
(2007) 26, 1410–1422, doi:10.1038/sj.emboj.7601580 Published online 22 February 2007 |
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| Ubiquitination of the GTPase Rap1B by the ubiquitin ligase Smurf2 is required for the establishment of neuronal polarity |
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| Jens C Schwamborn1, Myriam Müller, Annemarie HM Becker and Andreas W Püschel |
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Abteilung Molekularbiologie, Institut für Allgemeine Zoologie und Genetik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany To whom correspondence should be addressed Andreas W Püschel, Abteilung Molekularbiologie, Institut für Allgemeine Zoologie und Genetik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Schlo  platz 5, 48149 Münster, Germany. Tel.: +49 2518323841; Fax: +49 2518324723; E-mail: apuschel@uni-muenster.de
1 Present address: IMBA—Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Dr Bohrgasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria Received 20 July 2006; Accepted 9 January 2007; Published online 22 February 2007. |
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| Abstract |
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| The development of a polarised morphology with multiple dendrites and a single axon is an essential step in the differentiation of neurons. The establishment of neuronal polarity is directed by the sequential activity of the GTPases Rap1B and Cdc42. Rap1B is initially present in all neurites of unpolarised neurons, but becomes restricted to the tip of a single process during the establishment of neuronal polarity where it specifies axonal identity. Here, we show that the ubiquitin ligases Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor-1 (Smurf1) and Smurf2 are essential for neurite growth and neuronal polarity, respectively, and regulate the GTPases Rho and Rap1B in hippocampal neurons. Smurf2 is required for the restriction of Rap1B to a single neurite. Smurf2 ubiquitinates inactive Rap1B and initiates its degradation through the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway (UPS). Degradation of Rap1B restricts it to a single neurite and thereby ensures that neurons extend a single axon. |
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| Keywords: GTPase, neuronal polarity, ubiquitin |
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Top of page MORE ARTICLES LIKE THISThese links to content published by NPG are automatically generated NEWS AND VIEWSAxon formation: fate versus growth Nature Neuroscience News and Views (01 May 2005) Neuronal polarity: microtubules strike back Nature Cell Biology News and Views (01 Aug 2002) RESEARCHA test of the role of the proximal histidines in the Perutz model for cooperativity in haemoglobin Nature Structural Biology Article (01 Jan 1997) The EMBO Journal Article (06 Jun 2007) |
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