Function of Coronin1A in Netrin-Mediated Axon Branching and TRIM67 Binding (2023)
Undergraduate: Elliot Evans
Faculty Advisor: Stephanie Gupton
Department: Cell Biology and Physiology, Psychology & Neuroscience
The formation of functional neural networks requires intricate regulation of many cellular processes to ensure the appropriate development of the neuron’s complex morphology. Previous work from the Gupton lab has shown TRIM67, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is required for proper axonal development in vivo. Extracellular guidance cues, such as netrin-1 can influence the cellular shape changes of the developing neuron. Netrin is an important promoter of neuronal development and cancer progression, yet little is known about how cells interpret netrin to induce shape changes. Our lab discovered TRIM67 interacts with Coronin1A, an actin-binding protein highly implicated in cytoskeletal remodeling. Despite developing neurons having a complex set of morphological changes requiring constant cytoskeletal remodeling, the role of Coronin1A in developing neurons is not well understood. Here we demonstrate the requirement of Coronin1A in netrin-dependent axon branching suggesting the involvement of Coronin1A in filopodial formation. Additionally, we identify domains required for the TRIM67:Coronin1A interaction.
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