Fragile axons forge the path to gene discovery: a MAP kinase pathway regulates axon regeneration.
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is emerging as a promising model for studying the molecular control of axon regeneration. A forward genetic screen identified the DLK-1 (dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase 1) MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase pathway as a positive regulator of growth cone formation during axon regeneration. Although DLK-1 pathway mutant animals display a dramatic defect in regeneration, their axons have no apparent defects in initial outgrowth. The DLK-1 pathway also plays a role in synaptogenesis, but this role appears to be separate from its function in regeneration. Understanding how the DLK-1 pathway acts in development, plasticity, and regeneration may shed light on the evolution of mechanisms regulating axon regeneration.
Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Georgeann S
GS
O'Brien
Alvaro
A
Sagasti
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016350:Leucine Zippers / Q000235:genetics; D020930:MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D034622:RNA Interference; D013569:Synapses / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; C498050:DLK-1 protein, C elegans; D020930:MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases