Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


James-Sears-EDT.pdf (9.7 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

FoxO Regulates Microtubule Dynamics and Polarity to Promote Dendrite Branching in Drosophila Sensory Neurons

Sears, James Cooper
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2918-2429
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1476705366788041

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Neurosciences.
The morphology of dendrites is a critical determinant of neuronal function. Microtubules are crucial structural and functional components in dendrites, yet the molecular mechanisms and pathways that regulate dendrite development are unclear. Previous work from our lab showed that FoxO regulates microtubule dynamics in axons at the neuromuscular junction. Therefore, we tested if FoxO regulates microtubules and morphology in the dendritic arborization (da) system. We found that FoxO is required for normal morphology in all four classes of da neurons. FoxO is necessary not only for branching, but also for initiation and maintenance of terminal branches. Furthermore, overexpression of FoxO is sufficient to promote increased branching in multiple cell types. Consistent with findings in motor axons, FoxO limits the distribution of stable microtubules. When we tested for microtubule dynamics, we found that FoxO is necessary and sufficient to promote anterograde microtubule polymerization. Similar to other studies in the system, loss of branching seen in foxO nulls correlates with a decreased nociceptive response. Taken together, our results identify FoxO as a regulator of dendritic arborization and neuronal function. Furthermore, our data support the hypothesis that FoxO promotes dendrite branching by promoting anterograde microtubule polymerization. This conclusion leads to testable hypotheses for how FoxO regulates microtubules and morphology of dendrites.
Heather Broihier, PhD (Advisor)
David Katz, PhD (Committee Chair)
Jerry Silver, PhD (Committee Member)
Helen Salz, PhD (Committee Member)
158 p.
Biology; Biomedical Research; Cellular Biology; Developmental Biology; Genetics; Molecular Biology; Neurosciences
FoxO; Dendrites; Drosophila; EB1; Microtubules; Microtubule Polarity; Neurodevelopment; Development

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sears, J. C. (2017). FoxO Regulates Microtubule Dynamics and Polarity to Promote Dendrite Branching in Drosophila Sensory Neurons [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1476705366788041

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sears, James. FoxO Regulates Microtubule Dynamics and Polarity to Promote Dendrite Branching in Drosophila Sensory Neurons. 2017. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1476705366788041.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sears, James. "FoxO Regulates Microtubule Dynamics and Polarity to Promote Dendrite Branching in Drosophila Sensory Neurons." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1476705366788041

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1476705366788041
834
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.