The multipurpose 15-protofilament microtubules in C. elegans have specific roles in mechanosensation.

ABSTRACT: Because microtubules perform many essential functions in neurons, delineating unique roles attributable to these organelles presents a formidable challenge. Microtubules endow neurons with shape and structure and are required for developmental processes including neurite outgrowth, intracellular transport, and synapse formation and plasticity; microtubules in sensory neurons may be required for the above processes in addition to a specific sensory function. In Caenorhabditis elegans, six touch receptor neurons (TRNs) sense gentle touch and uniquely contain 15-protofilament microtubules. Disruption of these microtubules by loss of either the MEC-7 beta-tubulin or MEC-12 alpha-tubulin or by growth in 1 mM colchicine causes touch insensitivity, altered distribution of the touch transduction c

SUBMITTER: Bounoutas A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2757273 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature