Rac1 modulates stimulus-evoked Ca(2+) release in neuronal growth cones via parallel effects on microtubule/endoplasmic reticulum dynamics and reactive oxygen species production.

ABSTRACT: The small G protein Rac regulates cytoskeletal protein dynamics in neuronal growth cones and has been implicated in axon growth, guidance, and branching. Intracellular Ca(2+) is another well known regulator of growth cone function; however, effects of Rac activity on intracellular Ca(2+) metabolism have not been well characterized. Here, we investigate how Rac1 activity affects release of Ca(2+) from intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores stimulated by application of serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine). We also address how Rac1 effects on microtubule assembly dynamics affect distribution of Ca(2+) release sites. Multimode fluorescent microscopy was used to correlate microtubule and ER behavior, and ratiometric imaging was used to assess intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics. We report that Ra

SUBMITTER: Zhang XF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2777930 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature