
The extracellular matrix protein Reelin, secreted by Cajal-Retzius cells in the marginal zone of the cortex, controls the radial migration of cortical neurons. Reelin signaling involves the lipoprotein receptors apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) and very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), the adapter protein Disabled1 (Dab1), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). Eventually, Reelin signaling acts on the cytoskeleton; however, these effects on cytoskeletal organization have remained elusive. In Reelin-deficient mutant mice, most cortical neurons are unable to migrate to their destinations, suggesting a role for Reelin signaling in the dynamic cytoskeletal reorganization that is required for neurons to migrate. Here, we show that Reelin signaling leads to serine3 phosphorylation of n-cofilin, an actin-depolymerizing protein that promotes the disassembly of F-actin. Phosphorylation at serine3 renders n-cofilin unable to depolymerize F-actin, thereby stabilizing the cytoskeleton. We provide evidence for ApoER2, Dab1, Src family kinases (SFKs), and PI3K to be involved in n-cofilin serine3 phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of n-cofilin takes place in the leading processes of migrating neurons as they approach the Reelin-containing marginal zone. Immunostaining for phospho-cofilin in dissociated reeler neurons is significantly increased after incubation in Reelin-containing medium compared with control medium. In a stripe choice assay, neuronal processes are stable on Reelin-coated stripes but grow on control stripes by forming lamellipodia. These novel findings suggest that Reelin-induced stabilization of neuronal processes anchors them to the marginal zone which appears to be required for the directional migration process.
Cerebral Cortex, Cofilin 1, Neurons, Extracellular Matrix Proteins, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal, Down-Regulation, Lim Kinases, Mice, Transgenic, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Embryo, Mammalian, Actins, Mice, Mice, Neurologic Mutants, Cell Movement, Mutation, Animals, Humans, Enzyme Inhibitors, Cells, Cultured, LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
Cerebral Cortex, Cofilin 1, Neurons, Extracellular Matrix Proteins, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal, Down-Regulation, Lim Kinases, Mice, Transgenic, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Embryo, Mammalian, Actins, Mice, Mice, Neurologic Mutants, Cell Movement, Mutation, Animals, Humans, Enzyme Inhibitors, Cells, Cultured, LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
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