The dual role of the ligand UNC-6/Netrin in both axon guidance and synaptogenesis in C. elegans.
The extracellular cue UNC-6/Netrin is a well-known axon guidance molecule and recently it has also been shown to be involved with localization of pre-synaptic complexes. Working through the UNC-40/DCC/Fra receptor, UNC-6/Netrin promotes the formation of pre-synaptic terminals between the pre-synaptic AIY interneuron and its post-synaptic partner, the RIA interneuron. In the DA9 motor neuron, UNC-6/Netrin has an alternate role promoting the exclusion of pre-synaptic components from the dendrite via its UNC-5-receptor. Surprisingly, the requirement for UNC-5 persists even after DA9 axon migration is complete, because synapses become mis-localized after it is depleted. This observation provides at least a partial explanation for the persistence of UNC-6/Netrin and UNC-5 in the adult nervous system. These activities parallel the previously known bi-functional axon guidance effects of UNC-6/Netrin, since it can attract cells and axons expressing UNC-40/DCC/Fra and repel those expressing UNC-5 alone or in combination with UNC-40. UNC-6/Netrin cooperates with the Wnt family members to exclude synapses from compartments within the DA9 axon, so that they only occur in regions free of the influence of both UNC-6/Netrin and the Wnts. Regulation of both axon guidance and synapse formation by axon guidance cues permits coordination in circuit assembly between pre- and post-synaptic cells.
Department of Chemistry and Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Ryerson University, ON, CA. mkilleen@ryerson.ca
Marie T
MT
Killeen
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism*; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000378:metabolism*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008024:Ligands; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000075386:Netrin Receptors; D000075385:Netrins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D008024:Ligands; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D000075386:Netrin Receptors; D000075385:Netrins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C078146:UNC-6 protein, C elegans; D051153:Wnt Proteins