Growth cones stall and collapse during axon outgrowth in Caenorhabditis elegans

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (20) ◽  
pp. 4489-4498 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.M. Knobel ◽  
E.M. Jorgensen ◽  
M.J. Bastiani
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Growth Cone ◽  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Growth Cones ◽  
The Body ◽  
Axon Outgrowth ◽  
Attachment Structures ◽  
Dorsal Nerve

During nervous system development, neurons form synaptic contacts with distant target cells. These connections are formed by the extension of axonal processes along predetermined pathways. Axon outgrowth is directed by growth cones located at the tips of these neuronal processes. Although the behavior of growth cones has been well-characterized in vitro, it is difficult to observe growth cones in vivo. We have observed motor neuron growth cones migrating in living Caenorhabditis elegans larvae using time-lapse confocal microscopy. Specifically, we observed the VD motor neurons extend axons from the ventral to dorsal nerve cord during the L2 stage. The growth cones of these neurons are round and migrate rapidly across the epidermis if they are unobstructed. When they contact axons of the lateral nerve fascicles, growth cones stall and spread out along the fascicle to form anvil-shaped structures. After pausing for a few minutes, they extend lamellipodia beyond the fascicle and resume migration toward the dorsal nerve cord. Growth cones stall again when they contact the body wall muscles. These muscles are tightly attached to the epidermis by narrowly spaced circumferential attachment structures. Stalled growth cones extend fingers dorsally between these hypodermal attachment structures. When a single finger has projected through the body wall muscle quadrant, the growth cone located on the ventral side of the muscle collapses and a new growth cone forms at the dorsal tip of the predominating finger. Thus, we observe that complete growth cone collapse occurs in vivo and not just in culture assays. In contrast to studies indicating that collapse occurs upon contact with repulsive substrata, collapse of the VD growth cones may result from an intrinsic signal that serves to maintain growth cone primacy and conserve cellular material.

scholarly journals Mutations Affecting Nerve Attachment of Caenorhabditis elegans

Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 157 (4) ◽  
pp. 1611-1622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Go Shioi ◽  
Michinari Shoji ◽  
Masashi Nakamura ◽  
Takeshi Ishihara ◽  
Isao Katsura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Ventral Nerve Cord ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
The Body ◽  
Genetic Loci ◽  
Muscle Attachment ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Ventral Cord ◽  
Excretory Canal

Abstract Using a pan-neuronal GFP marker, a morphological screen was performed to detect Caenorhabditis elegans larval lethal mutants with severely disorganized major nerve cords. We recovered and characterized 21 mutants that displayed displacement or detachment of the ventral nerve cord from the body wall (Ven: ventral cord abnormal). Six mutations defined three novel genetic loci: ven-1, ven-2, and ven-3. Fifteen mutations proved to be alleles of previously identified muscle attachment/positioning genes, mup-4, mua-1, mua-5, and mua-6. All the mutants also displayed muscle attachment/positioning defects characteristic of mua/mup mutants. The pan-neuronal GFP marker also revealed that mutants of other mua/mup loci, such as mup-1, mup-2, and mua-2, exhibited the Ven defect. The hypodermis, the excretory canal, and the gonad were morphologically abnormal in some of the mutants. The pleiotropic nature of the defects indicates that ven and mua/mup genes are required generally for the maintenance of attachment of tissues to the body wall in C. elegans.

scholarly journals Two Caenorhabditis elegans calponin-related proteins have overlapping functions to maintain cytoskeletal integrity and are essential for reproduction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoichiro Ono ◽  
Kanako Ono
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Wall Muscle ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Somatic Gonad ◽  
Related Proteins

AbstractMulticellular organisms have multiple genes encoding calponins and calponin-related proteins, and some of these are known to regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics and contractility. However, functional similarities and differences among these proteins are largely unknown. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, UNC-87 is a calponin-related protein with seven calponin-like (CLIK) motifs and is required for maintenance of contractile apparatuses in muscle cells. Here, we report that CLIK-1, another calponin-related protein that also contains seven CLIK motifs, has an overlapping function with UNC-87 to maintain actin cytoskeletal integrity in vivo and has both common and different actin-regulatory activities in vitro. CLIK-1 is predominantly expressed in the body wall muscle and somatic gonad, where UNC-87 is also expressed. unc-87 mutation causes cytoskeletal defects in the body wall muscle and somatic gonad, whereas clik-1 depletion alone causes no detectable phenotypes. However, simultaneous depletion of clik-1 and unc-87 caused sterility due to ovulation failure by severely affecting the contractile actin networks in the myoepithelial sheath of the somatic gonad. In vitro, UNC-87 bundles actin filaments. However, CLIK-1 binds to actin filaments without bundling them and is antagonistic to UNC-87 in filament bundling. UNC-87 and CLIK-1 share common functions to inhibit cofilin binding and allow tropomyosin binding to actin filaments, suggesting that both proteins stabilize actin filaments. Thus, partially redundant functions of UNC-87 and CLIK-1 in ovulation is likely mediated by their common actin-regulatory activities, but their distinct activities in actin bundling suggest that they also have different biological functions.

scholarly journals A specific Ret receptor isoform is required for pioneer axon outgrowth and growth cone dynamics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam M. Tuttle ◽  
Catherine M. Drerup ◽  
Molly H. Marra ◽  
Alex V. Nechiporuk
Keyword(s):  
Growth Cone ◽  
Axon Growth ◽  
Retrograde Transport ◽  
Growth Cones ◽  
Axon Outgrowth ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Anterograde Transport ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
Pioneer Neurons

AbstractIn many cases, axon growth and guidance are driven by pioneer axons, the first axons to grow in a particular region. Despite their dynamic pathfinding capabilities and developmental importance, there are very few pioneer neuron specific markers and thus their in vivo identification and functional interrogation have been difficult. We found that a Ret receptor isoform, Ret51, is highly enriched in peripheral sensory pioneer neurons and is required for pioneer axon outgrowth. Ret null mutant pioneer neurons differentiate normally; however, they displayed defects in growth cone morphology and formation of filopodia before pioneer axon extension prematurely halts. We also demonstrate loss-of-function of a retrograde cargo adaptor, JNK-interacting protein 3 (Jip3), phenocopied many of these axonal defects. We further found that loss of Jip3 led to accumulation of activated Ret receptor in pioneer growth cones, indicating a failure in the clearance of activated Ret from growth cones. Using an axon sever approach as well as in vivo analysis of axonal transport, we showed Jip3 specifically mediates retrograde, but not anterograde, transport of activated Ret51. Finally, live imaging revealed that Jip3 and Ret51 were retrogradely co-transported in pioneer axons, suggesting Jip3 functions as an adapter for retrograde transport of Ret51. Taken together, these results identify Ret51 as a molecular marker of pioneer neurons and elucidate an important isoform-specific role for Ret51 in axon growth and growth cone dynamics during development.

scholarly journals Two Caenorhabditis elegans calponin-related proteins have overlapping functions that maintain cytoskeletal integrity and are essential for reproduction

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (34) ◽  
pp. 12014-12027
Author(s):  
Shoichiro Ono ◽  
Kanako Ono
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Wall Muscle ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Somatic Gonad ◽  
Related Proteins

Multicellular organisms have multiple genes encoding calponins and calponin-related proteins, some of which are known to regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics and contractility. However, the functional similarities and differences among these proteins are largely unknown. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, UNC-87 is a calponin-related protein with seven calponin-like (CLIK) motifs and is required for maintenance of contractile apparatuses in muscle cells. Here, we report that CLIK-1, another calponin-related protein that also contains seven CLIK motifs, functionally overlaps with UNC-87 in maintaining actin cytoskeletal integrity in vivo and has both common and different actin-regulatory activities in vitro. We found that CLIK-1 is predominantly expressed in the body wall muscle and somatic gonad in which UNC-87 is also expressed. unc-87 mutation caused cytoskeletal defects in the body wall muscle and somatic gonad, whereas clik-1 depletion alone caused no detectable phenotypes. However, simultaneous clik-1 and unc-87 depletion caused sterility because of ovulation failure by severely affecting the contractile actin networks in the myoepithelial sheath of the somatic gonad. In vitro, UNC-87 bundled actin filaments, whereas CLIK-1 bound to actin filaments without bundling them and antagonized UNC-87–mediated filament bundling. We noticed that UNC-87 and CLIK-1 share common functions that inhibit cofilin binding and allow tropomyosin binding to actin filaments, suggesting that both proteins stabilize actin filaments. In conclusion, partially redundant functions of UNC-87 and CLIK-1 in ovulation are likely mediated by their common actin-regulatory activities, but their distinct actin-bundling activities suggest that they also have different biological functions.

scholarly journals A screen for genetic loci required for body-wall muscle development during embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Genetics ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 137 (2) ◽  
pp. 483-498
Author(s):  
J Ahnn ◽  
A Fire
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Myosin Heavy Chain ◽  
Muscle Cell ◽  
Heavy Chain ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Muscle Development ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Wall Muscle ◽  
Genetic Loci

Abstract We have used available chromosomal deficiencies to screen for genetic loci whose zygotic expression is required for formation of body-wall muscle cells during embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. To test for muscle cell differentiation we have assayed for both contractile function and the expression of muscle-specific structural proteins. Monoclonal antibodies directed against two myosin heavy chain isoforms, the products of the unc-54 and myo-3 genes, were used to detect body-wall muscle differentiation. We have screened 77 deficiencies, covering approximately 72% of the genome. Deficiency homozygotes in most cases stain with antibodies to the body-wall muscle myosins and in many cases muscle contractile function is observed. We have identified two regions showing distinct defects in myosin heavy chain gene expression. Embryos homozygous for deficiencies removing the left tip of chromosome V fail to accumulate the myo-3 and unc-54 products, but express antigens characteristic of hypodermal, pharyngeal and neural development. Embryos lacking a large region on chromosome III accumulate the unc-54 product but not the myo-3 product. We conclude that there exist only a small number of loci whose zygotic expression is uniquely required for adoption of a muscle cell fate.

scholarly journals The AP2 clathrin adaptor protein complex regulates the abundance of GLR-1 glutamate receptors in the ventral nerve cord of Caenorhabditis elegans

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1887-1900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven D. Garafalo ◽  
Eric S. Luth ◽  
Benjamin J. Moss ◽  
Michael I. Monteiro ◽  
Emily Malkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Ventral Nerve Cord ◽  
Secretory Pathway ◽  
Adaptor Protein ◽  
Intracellular Compartments ◽  
Clathrin Adaptor ◽  
Strength And Plasticity

Regulation of glutamate receptor (GluR) abundance at synapses by clathrin-mediated endocytosis can control synaptic strength and plasticity. We take advantage of viable, null mutations in subunits of the clathrin adaptor protein 2 (AP2) complex in Caenorhabditis elegans to characterize the in vivo role of AP2 in GluR trafficking. In contrast to our predictions for an endocytic adaptor, we found that levels of the GluR GLR-1 are decreased at synapses in the ventral nerve cord (VNC) of animals with mutations in the AP2 subunits APM-2/μ2, APA-2/α, or APS-2/σ2. Rescue experiments indicate that APM-2/μ2 functions in glr-1–expressing interneurons and the mature nervous system to promote GLR-1 levels in the VNC. Genetic analyses suggest that APM-2/μ2 acts upstream of GLR-1 endocytosis in the VNC. Consistent with this, GLR-1 accumulates in cell bodies of apm-2 mutants. However, GLR-1 does not appear to accumulate at the plasma membrane of the cell body as expected, but instead accumulates in intracellular compartments including Syntaxin-13– and RAB-14–labeled endosomes. This study reveals a novel role for the AP2 clathrin adaptor in promoting the abundance of GluRs at synapses in vivo, and implicates AP2 in the regulation of GluR trafficking at an early step in the secretory pathway.

scholarly journals MUSCLE TENSION AND REFLEXES IN THE EARTHWORM

1923 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Ventral Nerve Cord ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Posterior Part ◽  
The Body ◽  
Entire Length ◽  
Sensory Cells ◽  
Ventral Region ◽  
Anterior Segments

1. By the use of preparations of earthworm in which the cutaneous receptors have been anesthetized with a solution of M/8 MgCl2, it is shown that peristalsis can be initiated by tension alone. 2. The receptors of the tension reflex are the intermyal sensory cells of the ventral region of the body wall. 3. It is concluded that Straub obtained the tension reflex because his preparations contained the intermyal receptors; Budington was unable to observe the tension reflex in any preparation from which the intermyal receptors had been removed. 4. Intermyal receptors are the receptors of the following reaction: Passive unilateral tension of the posterior part of an earthworm induces active homolateral tension of the musculature of the anterior segments, and results in the course of progress being brought into line with the enforced orientation of the tail. This reaction is termed the homostrophic reflex. 5. The receptors for the reaction are distributed throughout the entire length of the worm, the effectors are limited to the anterior 15 to 20 segments. The impulse is conducted by the ventral nerve cord. 6. The interaction of the homostrophic reflex and tropisms is considered.

Mechanoreceptors, Photoreceptors and Rapid Conduction Pathways in the Leech, Hirudo Medicinalis

1969 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. LAVERACK
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
The Body ◽  
Nerve Fibres ◽  
Peripheral Stimulation ◽  
Conducting Pathway ◽  
Transmission Of Information ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
The Right ◽  
Light Flashes

1. Mechanoreceptors in the body wall of the leech Hirudo are stimulated by deformation of the animal's surface. They respond at all frequencies of stimulation up to about 50-60 Hz. 2. Light flashes, from a microscope lamp or an electronic flash source, are also a potent means of peripheral stimulation. 3. After peripheral stimulation impulses can be recorded in a fast central pathway. This pathway conducts equally well in the posterior to anterior and in the opposite directions. 4. Interference with either the right or left connective linking any two segmental ganglia does not interrupt the rapid conduction of these impulses. 5. Severance of the median connective or Faivre's nerve interrupts conduction. This seems to implicate at least one, and possibly more, of the nerve fibres of this median connective in the rapid transmission of information from the extremities of the body. 6. A slower conducting pathway also exists in the nerve cord.

Fragile skeletal muscle attachments in dystrophic mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans: isolation and characterization of the mua genes

Development ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 127 (6) ◽  
pp. 1197-1207 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.D. Plenefisch ◽  
X. Zhu ◽  
E.M. Hedgecock
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Local Strain ◽  
Muscle Differentiation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Tissue Separation ◽  
New Genes ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Skin Fragility

Over 30 Caenorhabditis elegans mutants were identified with normal muscle differentiation and initial locomotion followed by catastrophic detachment of skeletal muscles from the body wall. Reducing the strength of muscle contraction in these mutants with a myosin gene mutation suppresses muscle detachment. These dystrophic mutants identify a novel class of genes required for growth and maintenance of functional muscle attachments, not exceptional alleles of genes required for muscle differentiation and contractility. Nine new genes, named mua, and two previously published loci, unc-23 and vab-10, cause fragile musscle attachments. The primary sites of muscle detachment, including the plane of tissue separation, are characteristic for each gene. We suggest these genes identify feedback mechanisms whereby local strain regulates the extent of myofibril contraction and the placement of new muscle attachments in functioning muscles. Finally, we draw some comparisons to vertebrate skin fragility diseases and muscular dystrophies.

Pioneer neurones use basal lamina as a substratum for outgrowth in the embryonic grasshopper limb

Development ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 601-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Anderson ◽  
R.P. Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Horseradish Peroxidase ◽  
Basal Lamina ◽  
Growth Cone ◽  
Growth Cones ◽  
Axon Outgrowth ◽  
Stages Of Development

During axonogenesis, contacts made by the growth cone with its substratum are important in guiding the direction of neurone outgrowth. This study examines the contacts made by the growth cones of pioneer neurones in the embryonic grasshopper limb. Individual pioneer neurones at different stages of development were injected with horseradish peroxidase and the contacts made by the filopodia at the tip of their growth cones were examined by electron microscopy. Filopodia made few contacts with mesodermal cells, some contacts with ectodermal cells and very frequent contacts with basal lamina underlying the ectoderm. Components of the basal lamina may therefore play a role in guiding pioneer axon outgrowth.

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