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N‐cadherin specifies first asymmetry in developing neurons
Author(s) -
Gärtner Annette,
Fornasiero Eugenio F,
Munck Sebastian,
Vennekens Krist'l,
Seuntjens Eve,
Huttner Wieland B,
Valtorta Flavia,
Dotti Carlos G
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1038/emboj.2012.41
Subject(s) - biology , cadherin , asymmetry , neuroscience , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , cell , physics , quantum mechanics
The precise polarization and orientation of developing neurons is essential for the correct wiring of the brain. In pyramidal excitatory neurons, polarization begins with the sprouting of opposite neurites, which later define directed migration and axo‐dendritic domains. We here show that endogenous N‐cadherin concentrates at one pole of the newborn neuron, from where the first neurite subsequently emerges. Ectopic N‐cadherin is sufficient to favour the place of appearance of the first neurite. The Golgi and centrosome move towards this newly formed morphological pole in a second step, which is regulated by PI3K and the actin/microtubule cytoskeleton. Moreover, loss of function experiments in vivo showed that developing neurons with a non‐functional N‐cadherin misorient their cell axis. These results show that polarization of N‐cadherin in the immediate post‐mitotic stage is an early and crucial mechanism in neuronal polarity.