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Radioautographic evidence for both orthograde and retrograde axonal transport of labeled compounds after intraocular injection of [3H]proline in the lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis).

[3H] Proline injected intraocularly in lampreys has been shown to be bidirectionally transported: 24--96 h after the injection, retinofugal fibers and terminals as well as nerve cell bodies at the origin of the retinopetal system were intensely labeled. These results are at variance with the generally held belief that [3H]proline is taken up only by cell bodies and transported by the anterograde flow. The significance of the retrograde axonal transport of [3H]proline in the lamprey retinopetal system is discussed.

Animals↗

Kinesin-dependent axonal transport is mediated by the sunday driver (SYD) protein.

A broadly conserved membrane-associated protein required for the functional interaction of kinesin-I with axonal cargo was identified. Mutations in sunday driver (syd) and the axonal transport motor kinesin-I cause similar phenotypes in Drosophila, including aberrant accumulations of axonal cargoes. GFP-tagged mammalian SYD localizes to tubulovesicular structures that costain for kinesin-I and a marker of the secretory pathway. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis indicates that mouse SYD forms a complex with kinesin-I in vivo. Yeast two-hybrid analysis and in vitro interaction studies reveal that SYD directly binds kinesin-I via the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of kinesin light chain (KLC) with K(d) congruent with 200 nM. We propose that SYD mediates the axonal transport of at least one class of vesicles by interacting directly with KLC.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Linkers, packages and pathways: new concepts in axonal transport.

The molecular mechanisms that generate efficient and directed transport of proteins and organelles in axons remain poorly understood. In the past year, many studies have identified specific transmembrane or scaffold proteins that might link motor proteins to their cargoes. These studies have also identified previously unsuspected pathways and raised the intriguing possibility that pre-packaged groups of functionally related proteins are transported together in the axon. Evidence suggests that fast molecular motor proteins have a role in slow axonal transport, and the axonal transport machinery has been implicated in the genesis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Animals↗

Inhibition of fast axonal transport and microtubule polymerization in vitro by colchicine and colchiceine.

The effects of colchicine and colchiceine on fast axonal transport in frog sciatic nerves were studied in vitro. Colchiceine inhibited the transport to about the same extent as colchicine. Preincubation at low temperature potentiated the inhibitory effect of either drug. The polymerization of purified brain tubulin was inhibited by colchiceine at 5-10 times higher concentrations than colchicine. The similarity of the effects obtained with colchicine and colchiceine indicates that both drugs arrest axonal transport by interfering with microtubule function. Colchicine and colchiceine did not affect the levels of high energy phosphates (ATP and CrP) in frog nerves indicating that a reduced energy supply was not responsible for the arrested transport.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The role of axonal transport in the regulation of enzyme activity in sympathetic ganglia of adult rats.

The relationship of perikaryal and presynaptic enzyme activity to axonal transport was studied in adult sympathetic neurons in the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG). Surgical axotomy or local colchicine application to the postganglionic nerves resulted in a significant decrease in ganglionic tyrosine hydroxylase (T-OH) activity without a significant alteration in choline acetyltransferase activity. Colchicine did not appear to block axonal impulse conduction since pupillary and eyelid function remained normal. Consequently, the reduced T-OH activity resulted from alteration of other axonal functions. Axotomy or colchicine application decreased T-OH activity in decentralized ganglia, suggesting that the depression of perikaryal T-OH was not secondary to altered orthograde transsynaptic interactions. Colchicine did not prevent transsynaptic induction of T-OH by reserpine, suggesting that axonal transport is not necessary for enzyme induction. Nerve growth factor (NGF) treatment partially prevented the effects of colchicine application. It is concluded that in adult sympathetic neurons both orthograde transsynaptic mechanisms and the retrograde transport of NGF normally govern perikaryal T-OH activity.

Animals↗

Differential axonal transport of soluble and insoluble tau in the rat sciatic nerve.

Axonal transport of microtubule-associated protein tau was studied in the motor fibers of the rat sciatic nerve 1-4 weeks after labeling of the spinal cord with [35S]methionine. As 60-70% of low molecular weight tau in this system was found to be insoluble in 1% Triton-containing buffer, labeled proteins in 6-mm consecutive nerve segments were first separated into Triton-soluble and insoluble fractions. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting with anti-tau antibody confirmed the presence of tau among labeled, transported proteins in both fractions. Isoform composition of labeled tau was similar to that of bulk axonal tau, the most acidic species with apparent molecular mass of 66 kDa being the major component. Transport profiles obtained by measuring radioactivities associated with this major isoform showed that soluble and insoluble tau were transported at different rates. Insoluble tau, which contained the majority of tau-associated radioactivity, was transported at 1.7 mm/day in slow component a (SCa), whereas soluble tau was transported faster, at 3 mm/day, corresponding to the rate of slow component b (SCb). Cotransport of insoluble tau with insoluble tubulin in SCa suggests its association with stable microtubules.

Animals↗

Axonal transport of TREK and TRAAK potassium channels in rat sciatic nerves.

The recent cloning, functional expression and brain localization of two new potassium channels, TREK and TRAAK, led us to examine whether both channels are present in peripheral nerves and can move along axons by means of axonal transport mechanisms. Using specific antibodies directed against TREK and TRAAK peptides, we found that immunoreactivity for both potassium channels accumulates above and below a ligature in rat sciatic nerves. The process was rapid and bidirectional suggesting that the channels are associated with vesicles. This represents the first report on the axonal transport of potassium channels.

Animals↗

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum: structure and role in the renewal of axonal membrane and synaptic vesicles by fast axonal transport.

The spatial arrangement of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) was studied in 0.5-2 mum thick sections of rat spinal and chick ciliary ganglia previously impregnated with heavy metal salts. Electron microscopy at low (10-5 V) or high (10-6 V) voltage showed the impregnated SER as a continuous system extending probably from the perikaryon to the axon terminal. Tubules of the SER, which were running in a parallel direction with the axon, were occasionally seen in close apposition with the axonal membrane. Moreover in the preterminal region, anastomosed tubules of the SER formed a subsurface 'primary network' and gave rise to a deeper 'secondary network' made of thinner tubules; synaptic vesicles bulging at the tip of thin tubules of the SER were frequently observed. To specify the role played by the SER in the fast axonal transport, chicken ciliary ganglia were slighty compressed and radioautographed 3 h after the intracerebral injection of [3-H]lysine. Quantitative analysis of the silver grain distribution indicated that labeled proteins, rapidly conveyed down the axon, piled up in regions containing an accumulation of SER profiles. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that: (1) the SER appears as a continuous intraaxonal pathway bridging the perikaryon and the axon terminal; (2) the SER conveys macromolecular components with the fast axonal transport; (3) the conveyed macromolecules, which are delivered to the axonal membrane and to the synaptic vesicles, are probably transferred by means of connections with the SER.

Animals↗

Anterograde and retrograde axonal transport of native and derivatized wheat germ agglutinin in the visual system of the chicken.

The anterograde and retrograde rates of axonal transport of the lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) were investigated using native and derivatized lectins in embryonic (stage 39) and posthatch chickens. Anterograde transport rates in the retinotectal projection of posthatch animals ranged from 168 mm/day for native WGA to 345 mm/day for horseradish peroxidase conjugated WGA. Anterograde transport rates in embryos were at least 258 mm/day based on experiments employing tritium and horseradish peroxidase conjugates. Retrograde rates measured by appearance of label in the isthmo-optic nucleus in both embryonic and posthatch chickens were in the range of 150-180 mm/day. A fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate of WGA was transported retrogradely but not anterogradely. When the extraocular eye muscles were labeled accidentally during injection, cells in the oculomotor or trochlear nuclei were more intensely labeled than neurons in the isthmo-optic nucleus. It was concluded that at least some conjugates of WGA, and possible the native lectin as well, travel in the fastest component of axonal transport. In view of the known intercellular movement of WGA from labeled presynaptic processes, it is recommended that survival times be kept short in experiments using WGA as a neuronal tracing agent (less than 24 h) to minimize the possibility of uptake and redistribution of the lectin by nearby cells.

Age Factors↗

Slow axonal transport of the cytosolic chaperonin CCT with Hsc73 and actin in motor neurons.

Molecular chaperones are well known for their role in facilitating the folding of nascent and newly synthesized proteins, but have other roles, including the assembly, translocation and renaturation of intracellular proteins. Axons are convenient tissues for the study of some of these other roles because they lack the capacity for significant protein synthesis. We examine the axonal transport of the cytosolic chaperonin containing T- complex polypeptide 1 (CCT) by labeling lumbar motor neurons with [35S]methionine and examining sciatic nerve proteins by 2-D gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. All CCT subunits identifiable with specific antibodies, namely CCTalpha, CCTbeta, CCTgamma and CCTepsilon/CCTtheta; (the latter two subunits colocalized in analyses of rat nerve samples), appeared to be labeled in "slow component b" of axonal transport along with the molecular chaperone Hsc73 and actin, a major folding substrate for CCT. Our results are consistent with molecular chaperones having a post-translational role in maintaining the native form of actin during its slow transport to the axon terminal and ensuring its correct assembly into microfilaments.

Actins↗

Gelsolin inhibition of fast axonal transport indicates a requirement for actin microfilaments.

The actions of actin-based microfilaments in cell motility suggest a possible role in the mechanism of fast axonal transport, but the pharmacological data evaluating their role in this process are equivocal. Moreover, microfilaments are difficult to preserve and identify in ultrastructural studies, so the organization and function of axonal actin has remained uncertain. We have now evaluated the role of actin microfilaments in intracellular transport of membranous organelles using video-enhanced contrast microscopy and gelsolin to analyse fast axonal transport directly in isolated axoplasm from the squid giant axon. With this preparation it is possible to perfuse axoplasm with large molecules that do not cross the plasmalemma, while controlling cation levels. The 90,000-molecular weight protein gelsolin depolymerizes actin microfilaments in micromolar Ca2+, but not in the absence of Ca2+. Axonal transport of membranous organelles has previously been shown to be unaffected by levels of Ca2+ up to 10 microM. In the presence of EGTA, gelsolin has no effect on the movement of membranous organelles, but in the presence of 10 microM Ca2+ it completely blocks transport of all membranous organelles. No changes in the organization of the axoplasm were detected. These results and results using other probes for actin are consistent with the hypothesis that actin-based microfilaments are involved in the movement of membranous organelles in the axon.

Actins↗

Progressive deficit of retrograde axonal transport is associated with the pathogenesis of di-n-butyl dichlorvos axonopathy.

The induction of central-peripheral distal axonopathy in hens singly dosed with some organophosphorus (OP) compounds, such as di-n-butyl-2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate (DBDCVP), requires greater than 80% organophosphorylation and subsequent intramolecular rearrangement ("aging") of a protein [neuropathy target esterase (NTE)] in the axon. Suprathreshold biochemical reaction, 24 h after dosing with DBDCVP (0.75-1.00 mg/kg s.c.), is shown to be associated with progressive decrement of retrograde axonal transport in sensory and motor fibers. The maximum transport deficit (about 70% reduction) is reached 7 days after DBDCVP, prior to the appearance of axonal degeneration and the onset of clinical signs of neuropathy (day 10-11). By contrast, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (30 mg/kg s.c.), an agent that prevents the development of OP neuropathy by inhibiting NTE without the "aging" reaction, had no effect on axon transport, nerve fiber integrity, or clinical status and, when administered prior to a neurotoxic dose of DBDCVP (1.00 mg/kg s.c.), prevented DBDCVP effects. Paraoxon (0.2 mg/kg s.c.) neither inhibited NTE nor caused deficits in retrograde transport or neuropathy. Taken in concert, these studies demonstrate that induced deficits in retrograde transport are associated with the pathogenesis of OP-induced nerve-fiber degeneration and the threshold-initiating mechanism thereof.

Animals↗

Cytotoxic effects of adriamycin on mouse hypoglossal neurons following retrograde axonal transport from the tongue.

We reported recently that the fluorescent, cytostatic drug, adriamycin (Doxorubicin) may reach the hypoglossal neurons by retrograde axonal transport from the nerve terminals of the tongue. The present investigation was undertaken to ascertain whether morphological changes occur in the hypoglossal neurons due to retrograde transport of adriamycin. Neuronal degeneration was observed in the hypoglossal nucleus 14 days after i.m. injection of adriamycin into the tongue. Early neuronal changes, such as rarefaction of the nuclear chromatin and segregation and fragmentation of the nucleolar components, were succeeded by cytoplasmic vacuolation, disappearance of ribosomes and other degenerative features. These observations are important from a neurotoxicologic viewpoint since they demonstrate that retrograde axonal transport may provide a route for the entry of adriamycin into the nervous system. Thus far, adriamycin appears to be the only known substance which can be traced directly in the neurons and cause their degeneration. An experimental method of damaging the motor neurons of the CNS has been introduced. A new toxic model for the investigation of experimental motor neuron disease is therefore available by the use of adriamycin.

Animals↗

Involvement of coated vesicles in the initiation of fast axonal transport.

The present study examines whether coated vesicles play a role in the intrasomal transit of newly synthesized fast-transported proteins. Coated vesicles isolated from bullfrog brain were shown to have a protein composition and ultrastructure similar to purified bovine brain coated vesicles. Bullfrog brain was then used as unlabeled carrier for the isolation of coated vesicles from dorsal root ganglia labeled with [3H]leucine. Fast-transported [35S]methionine-labeled proteins were generated in separate preparations from sciatic nerve, and co-electrophoresed on two-dimensional gels with [3H]proteins of the coated vesicle fraction. The [35S]Met fluorographic X-ray film pattern was used as a guide to remove gel regions which were tested for the presence of 3H. By this means, 45 of 67 individual fast-transported proteins examined were found to contain significant levels of 3H. The fact that these proteins have similar net charge and molecular weight characteristics to the mature fast-transported proteins with which they co-migrated, suggests that such species have already undergone post-translational modifications prior to becoming associated with coated vesicles. Since most modifications of this type occur in the Golgi apparatus, it appears that the majority of fast-transported proteins are isolated in association with a population of post-Golgi coated vesicles. The role of coated vesicles is incorporated into a model describing the pathway taken by fast-transported proteins during the initiation of fast axonal transport.

Animals↗

Metabolic and ionic requirements for the intra-axonal transport of noradrenaline in the cat hypogastric nerve.

1. Metabolic and ionic requirements for the intra-axonal transport of noradrenaline were investigated in the cat hypogastric nerve in vitro using a histochemical fluorescence procedure.2. Specific noradrenaline fluorescence appeared at the proximal region after crushing the nerve at a distance of about 1.5 cm distal to the inferior mesenteric ganglion within 30 min, and the intensity of fluorescence increased with the perfusion time.3. Prior removal of the ganglion from the rest of the hypogastric nerve, or denervation of the ganglion, had no effect on the appearance of the specific fluorescence.4. Iodoacetic acid (5 x 10(-4) M), glucose deprivation, dinitrophenol (DNP, 5 x 10(-4) M) and anoxia, singly, did not affect the accumulation of noradrenaline, but combined treatment with glucose deprivation and anoxia, or glucose deprivation and dinitrophenol, very markedly interfered with noradrenaline accumulation.5. If the temperature of the perfusion fluid was reduced to 15 degrees C, the fluorescence was not seen at the region of occlusion.6. Removal of sodium from Krebs solution markedly inhibited the axoplasmic transport of noradrenaline.7. Treatment with ouabain (10(-4) M) or tetracaine (2 x 10(-4) M) did not affect the appearance of specific fluorescence after occlusion.8. Our findings suggest that transport of noradrenaline storage particles within the hypogastric nerve is dependent on metabolic energy derived from either glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation. This active process also has an absolute requirement for extracellular sodium ions.

Animals↗

Axonal transport of synapsin I-like proteins in rabbit retinal ganglion cells.

Synapsin I is a neuronal phosphoprotein that is associated with the cytoplasmic surface of small, clear synaptic vesicles in neuronal synaptic terminals; it may play an important role in synaptic transmission. In vitro, it can interact with fodrin, a relative of the erythrocyte protein spectrin. We have investigated the delivery of synapsin I from its site of synthesis in neuronal cell bodies to synaptic terminals by means of the process of axonal transport. We labeled the newly synthesized proteins of rabbit retinal ganglion cells by injecting 35S-methionine into the vitreous humour, and subsequently observed the appearance of radioactive synapsin I (identified by its 2-dimensional electrophoretic mobility) in tissues containing the axons and synaptic terminals of these neurons. A portion of the newly synthesized synapsin I was axonally transported at the velocity of the most rapidly transported (group I) proteins, which comprise membrane-associated proteins and may include elements of synaptic vesicles. However, the subsequent time course of labeling of synapsin I in the axons suggests that greater than 90% of the axonally transported synapsin I may comprise 2 additional populations--one transported rapidly, the other slowly--that are released from the cell bodies only after a delay of more than 1 d. The delayed, slowly transported population moves at the velocity (approximately 6 mm/d) of groups III and IV (which include fodrin and other proteins of the membrane cytoskeleton). We consider whether such distinct populations may correspond to functionally specialized variants of synapsin I-like proteins that may be transported in association with different organelles. The electrophoretic mobility of labeled synapsin I-like proteins in the axons changed subtly with time. Additional subtle differences between labeled synapsin I-like proteins in the axons and the terminal-containing tissues suggest that certain posttranslational modifications occur specifically in the terminals.

Animals↗

Effects of intraneural injection of taxol on retrograde axonal transport and morphology of corresponding nerve cell bodies.

Taxol exerts a potent effect on the assembly and stability of cellular microtubules. In the present study this drug was injected into the facial nerve of mice, and its influence on retrograde axonal transport and on morphology of the facial nerve cell bodies was monitored. A reduction in the amount of retrogradely transported fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated wheat germ agglutinin from the peripheral field of innervation to neuronal perikarya was demonstrated by cytofluorometry. Transport was not completely blocked, since some degree of tracer accumulation was found in most neurons. Morphometric analysis was employed to determine the volume fraction of cells and cell nuclei as well as nucleolar size on micrographs of the facial nucleus. After facial nerve transection the reaction in nerve cell bodies was similar in taxol-injected animals and in animals not exposed to this substance. Furthermore, intraneural injection of taxol without prior nerve section resulted in nucleolar enlargement. The present data show that taxol-induced disturbances in microtubule organisation interferes with the retrograde axonal transport and suggest that changes associated with the retrograde nerve cell reaction may develop when the transfer of material from the peripheral field of innervation is disturbed.

Alkaloids↗