The fusogen EFF-1 controls sculpting of mechanosensory dendrites.
The mechanisms controlling the formation and maintenance of neuronal trees are poorly understood. We examined the dynamic development of two arborized mechanoreceptor neurons (PVDs) required for reception of strong mechanical stimuli in Caenorhabditis elegans. The PVDs elaborated dendritic trees comprising structural units we call "menorahs." We studied how the number, structure, and function of menorahs were maintained. EFF-1, an essential protein mediating cell fusion, acted autonomously in the PVDs to trim developing menorahs. eff-1 mutants displayed hyperbranched, disorganized menorahs. Overexpression of EFF-1 in the PVD reduced branching. Neuronal pruning appeared to involve EFF-1-dependent branch retraction and neurite-neurite autofusion. Thus, EFF-1 activities may act as a quality control mechanism during the sculpting of dendritic trees.
Oren-Suissa
Meital
M
Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel.
Hall
David H
DH
Treinin
Millet
M
Shemer
Gidi
G
Podbilewicz
Benjamin
B
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003712:Dendrites / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008959:Models, Neurological; D050505:Mutant Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation; D016501:Neurites / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013696:Temperature
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; C470734:EFF-1 protein, C elegans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D050505:Mutant Proteins
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