Letter abstract
Nature Cell Biology 10, 1181 - 1189 (2008)
Published online: 21 September 2008 | doi:10.1038/ncb1778
Targeting of the F-actin-binding protein drebrin by the microtubule plus-tip protein EB3 is required for neuritogenesis
Sara Geraldo1,4, Umme K. Khanzada1,4, Maddy Parsons2, John K. Chilton1,3 & Phillip R. Gordon-Weeks1
Interactions between dynamic microtubules and actin filaments (F-actin) underlie a range of cellular processes including cell polarity and motility. In growth cones, dynamic microtubules are continually extending into selected filopodia, aligning alongside the proximal ends of the F-actin bundles. This interaction is essential for neuritogenesis and growth-cone pathfinding. However, the molecular components mediating the interaction between microtubules and filopodial F-actin have yet to be determined. Here we show that drebrin, an F-actin-associated protein, binds directly to the microtubule-binding protein EB3. In growth cones, this interaction occurs specifically when drebrin is located on F-actin in the proximal region of filopodia and when EB3 is located at the tips of microtubules invading filopodia. When this interaction is disrupted, the formation of growth cones and the extension of neurites are impaired. We conclude that drebrin targets EB3 to coordinate F-actin–microtubule interactions that underlie neuritogenesis.
- The MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
- The Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
- Present address: Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, Tamar Science Park, Research Way, Plymouth PL6 8BU, Devon, UK.
- These authors contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Phillip R. Gordon-Weeks1 e-mail: phillip.gordon-weeks@kcl.ac.uk
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.
RESEARCH
Filopodial actin bundles are not necessary for microtubule advance into the peripheral domain of Aplysia neuronal growth conesNature Cell Biology Article (01 Dec 2007)
Filopodia are required for cortical neurite initiationNature Cell Biology Article (01 Dec 2007)
See all 17 matches for Research
