Title
Schwannomin/Merlin Promotes Schwann Cell Elongation And Influences Myelin Segment Length
Keywords
Cdc42; Myelin; Neurofibromatosis; NF2; Rac; Schwannomin
Abstract
The Neurofibromatosis type 2 tumor suppressor, schwannomin (Sch) is a plasma membrane-cytoskeleton linking protein that regulates receptor signaling and actin dynamics. We examined Sch's role in specifying morphological changes needed for Schwann cell (SC) function in vitro. Isolated Sch-GFP-expressing SCs extended bipolar processes 82% longer than those formed by GFP-expressing cells. In contrast, SCs expressing dominant negative Sch-BBA-GFP extended bipolar processes 16% shorter than controls and 64% shorter than Sch-GFP-expressing SCs. nf2 gene inactivation caused isolated mouse SCs to transition from bipolar to multipolar cells. Live imaging revealed that SCs co-expressing Sch-GFP and dominant negative RacN17 behaved similarly in dorsal root ganglion explant cultures; they quickly aligned on axons and slowly elongated bipolar processes. In contrast, SCs expressing constitutively active RacV12 underwent continuous transitions in morphology that interfered with axon alignment. When co-cultured with neurons under myelin-promoting conditions, Sch-GFP-expressing SCs elaborated longer myelin segments than GFP-expressing SCs. In contrast, Sch-BBA-GFP-expressing SCs failed to align on or myelinate axons. Together, these results demonstrate that Sch plays an essential role in inducing and/or maintaining the SC's spindle shape and suggest that the mechanism involves Sch-dependent inhibition of Rac activity. By stabilizing the bipolar morphology, Sch promotes the alignment of SCs with axons and ultimately influences myelin segment length. © 2010.
Publication Date
5-1-2011
Publication Title
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Volume
47
Issue
1
Number of Pages
1-9
Document Type
Article
Personal Identifier
scopus
DOI Link
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2010.12.006
Copyright Status
Unknown
Socpus ID
79955475908 (Scopus)
Source API URL
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/79955475908
STARS Citation
Thaxton, Courtney; Bott, Marga; Walker, Barbara; Sparrow, Nicklaus A.; and Lambert, Stephen, "Schwannomin/Merlin Promotes Schwann Cell Elongation And Influences Myelin Segment Length" (2011). Scopus Export 2010-2014. 3509.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/scopus2010/3509