The growth of nerve cells and the formation of connections between the cells is an extremely complex process. US researchers have now taken a closer look at the role of a particular protein that is crucial for regulating neuron development. The study was published in "PLOS Genetics".
In their study, scientists from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in Jupiter (Florida) focussed on the enzyme RPM-1 expressed in the nervous system. "Collectively, our recent work offers significant evidence that RPM-1 coordinates how long an axon grows with construction of synaptic connections," said study leader Brock Grill.
In particular, the physicians found out that RPM-1 regulates the protein DLK-1, which plays a key role in the formation of axons. To do so, RPM-1 draws on the enzyme PPM-2. This enzyme removes a phosphate group from another protein and thereby changes its function. In addition to PPM-2, RPM-1 also uses ubiquitin ligase activity, thus directly inhibiting DLK-1.
"Because RPM-1 plays multiple roles during neuronal development, you wouldn't want to interfere with it. But exploring the role of PPM-2 in controlling DLK-1 and axon regeneration could be worthwhile - and could have implications in neurodegenerative diseases," explained lead author Scott T. Baker.
In their study, scientists from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in Jupiter (Florida) focussed on the enzyme RPM-1 expressed in the nervous system. "Collectively, our recent work offers significant evidence that RPM-1 coordinates how long an axon grows with construction of synaptic connections," said study leader Brock Grill.
In particular, the physicians found out that RPM-1 regulates the protein DLK-1, which plays a key role in the formation of axons. To do so, RPM-1 draws on the enzyme PPM-2. This enzyme removes a phosphate group from another protein and thereby changes its function. In addition to PPM-2, RPM-1 also uses ubiquitin ligase activity, thus directly inhibiting DLK-1.
"Because RPM-1 plays multiple roles during neuronal development, you wouldn't want to interfere with it. But exploring the role of PPM-2 in controlling DLK-1 and axon regeneration could be worthwhile - and could have implications in neurodegenerative diseases," explained lead author Scott T. Baker.
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