Axotomy induces axonogenesis in hippocampal neurons by a mechanism dependent on importin β

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2011 Feb 25;405(4):697-702. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.01.108. Epub 2011 Feb 1.

Abstract

We characterize the previously unrecognized phenomenon of axotomy-induced axonogenesis in rat embryonic hippocampal neurons in vitro and elucidate the underlying mechanism. New neurites arose from cell bodies after axotomy and grew. These neurites were Tau-1-positive, and the injured axons showed negative immunoreactivity for Tau-1. Axonogenesis was delayed in these neurons by inhibiting the dynein-dynactin complex through the overexpression of p50. Importin β, which was locally translated after axotomy, was associated with the dynein-importin α complex and was required for axonogenesis. Taken together, these results suggest that retrograde transport of injury-induced signals in injured axons play key roles in the axotomy-induced axonogenesis of hippocampal neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology*
  • Axotomy
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dynactin Complex
  • Dyneins / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / injuries*
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Neurites / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • beta Karyopherins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Dynactin Complex
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • beta Karyopherins
  • Dyneins