MAG inhibits microtubule assembly by a Rho-kinase dependent mechanism

Authors:
Mimura F, Yamagishi S, Arimura N, Fujitani M, Kubo T, Kaibuchi K, Yamashita T
In:
Source: J Biol Chem
Publication Date: (2006)
Issue: 281(23): 15970-9
Research Area:
Neurobiology
Cells used in publication:
Granule cell (CGC), rat
Species: rat
Tissue Origin: brain
Platform:
Nucleofector® I/II/2b
Abstract
Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and Nogo are potent inhibitors of neurite outgrowth from a variety of neurons, and they have been identified as possible components of the central nervous system (CNS) myelin that prevents axonal regeneration in the adult vertebrate CNS. The activation of RhoA and Rho-kinase is reported to be an essential part of the signaling mechanism of these proteins. Here, we report that the collapsing response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2) is phosphorylated by a Rho-kinase dependent mechanism downstream of MAG or Nogo-66. The overexpression of the non-phosphorylated form of CRMP-2 at threonine 555, which is the phophorylation site for Rho-kinase, counteracts the inhibitory effect of MAG on the postnatal cerebellar neurons. Additionally, the expression of the dominant negative form of CRMP-2 or knockdown of the gene using siRNA mimics the effect of MAG in vitro. Consistent with the function of CRMP-2, which promotes microtubule assembly, microtubule levels are downregulated in the cerebellar neurons that are stimulated with MAG in vitro. Reduction in the density of microtubules is also observed in the injured axons following the spinal cord injury, and this effect depends on the Rho-kinase activity. Our data suggest the important roles of CRMP-2 and microtubules in the inhibition of the axon regeneration by the myelin-derived inhibitors.