The PAR Polarity Complex and Cerebellar Granule Neuron Migration

  • Ramahi J
  • Solecki D
N/ACitations
Citations of this article
8Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

Proper migration of neurons is one of the most important aspects of early brain development. After neuronal progenitors are born in their respective germinal niches, they must migrate to their final locations to form precise neural circuits. A majority of migrating neurons move by associating and disassociating with glial fibers, which serve as scaffolding for the developing brain. Cerebellar granule neurons provide a model system for examination of the mechanisms of neuronal migration in dissociated and slice culture systems; the ability to purify these cells allows migration assays to be paired with genetic, molecular, and biochemical findings. CGNs migrate in a highly polarized fashion along radial glial fibers, using a two-stroke nucleokinesis cycle. The PAR polarity complex of PARD3, PARD6, and an atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) regulate several aspects of neuronal migration. The PAR polarity complex regulates the coordinated movements of the centrosome and soma during nucleokinesis, and also the stability of the microtubule cytoskeleton during migration. PAR proteins coordinate actomyosin dynamics in the leading process of migrating neurons, which are required for migration. The PAR complex also controls the cell-cell adhesions made by migrating neurons along glial cells, and through this mechanism regulates germinal zone exit during prenatal brain development. These findings suggest that the PAR complex coordinates the movement of multiple cellular elements as neurons migrate and that further examination of PAR complex effectors will not only provide novel insights to address fundamental challenges to the field but also expand our understanding of how the PAR complex functions at the molecular level.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Ramahi, J. S., & Solecki, D. J. (2014). The PAR Polarity Complex and Cerebellar Granule Neuron Migration (pp. 113–131). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7687-6_7

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free