Work

Role of GSK3 Signaling in Neuronal Morphogenesis

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is emerging as a key regulator of several aspects of neuronal morphogenesis including neuronal polarization, axon growth, and axon branching. Multiple signaling pathways have been identified that control neuronal polarization, including PI3K, Rho-GTPases, Par3/6, TSC-mTOR, and PKA-LKB1. However, how these pathways are coordinated is not clear. As GSK3 signaling exhibits crosstalk with each of these pathways it has the potential to integrate these polarity signals in the control neuronal polarization. After neurons establish polarity, GSK3 acts as an important signaling mediator in the regulation of axon extension and axon branching by transducing upstream signaling to reorganization of the axonal cytoskeleton, especially microtubules. Here we review the roles of GSK3 signaling in neuronal morphogenesis and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Source: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience

DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2011.00048

Authors: Yun Tai Kim, Eun-Mi Hur, William D. Snider, Feng-Quan Zhou

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Language: English

Topic: Axon Guidance and Neuronal Signaling

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801

Funders: Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke