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- Title
Ral GTPases regulate neurite branching through GAP-43 and the exocyst complex.
- Authors
Lalli, Giovanna; Hall, Alan
- Abstract
Neurite branching is essential for the establishment of appropriate neuronal connections during development and regeneration. We identify the small GTPase Ral as a mediator of neurite branching. Active Ral promotes neurite branching in cortical and sympathetic neurons, whereas Ral inhibition decreases laminin-induced branching. In addition, depletion of endogenous Ral by RNA interference decreases branching in cortical neurons. The two Ral isoforms, RalA and -B, promote branching through distinct pathways, involving the exocyst complex and phospholipase D, respectively. Finally, Ral-dependent branching is mediated by protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of 43-kD growth-associated protein, a crucial molecule involved in pathfinding, plasticity, and regeneration. These findings highlight an important role for Ral in the regulation of neuronal morphology.
- Publication
The Journal of cell biology, 2005, Vol 171, Issue 5, p857
- ISSN
0021-9525
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1083/jcb.200507061