Article abstract
Nature Cell Biology 9, 743 - 754 (2007)
Published online: 10 June 2007 | doi:10.1038/ncb1603
Dishevelled promotes axon differentiation by regulating atypical protein kinase C
Xian Zhang1,2, Ji Zhu1,2, Guo-Ying Yang1,2, Qing-Jie Wang1,2, Lei Qian1, Yan-Min Chen1, Fei Chen1, Yu Tao1, Han-Song Hu1, Tong Wang1 & Zhen-Ge Luo1
Abstract
The atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) in complex with PAR3 and PAR6 is required for axon-dendrite differentiation, but the upstream factors responsible for regulating its activity are largely unknown. Here, we report that in cultured hippocampal neurons aPKC is directly regulated by Dishevelled (Dvl), an immediate downstream effector of Wnt. We found that downregulation of Dvl abrogated axon differentiation, whereas Dvl overexpression resulted in multiple axon formation. Interestingly, Dvl was associated with aPKC and this interaction resulted in aPKC stabilization and activation. Furthermore, the multiple axon formation resulting from Dvl overexpression was attenuated by expressing a dominant–negative aPKC in these neurons and overexpression of aPKC prevented the loss of axon caused by Dvl downregulation. Finally, Wnt5a, a noncanonical Wnt, activated aPKC and promoted axon differentiation. The Wnt5a effect on axon differentiation was attenuated by downregulating Dvl or inhibiting aPKC. Thus, Dvl–aPKC interaction can promote axon differentiation mediated by the PAR3–PAR6–aPKC complex.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
- These authors contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Zhen-Ge Luo1 e-mail: zgluo@ion.ac.cn
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