Robo and Frazzled/DCC mediate dendritic guidance at the CNS midline

Nat Neurosci. 2003 Mar;6(3):223-30. doi: 10.1038/nn1017.

Abstract

Neuronal connectivity is established by the axo-dendritic polarity, correct guidance and targeting of neurons. Unlike for axons, the mechanisms responsible for directed outgrowth of dendrites are not well understood. Using single-cell labeling, we describe specific guidance defects in dendrites of identified neurons in frazzled, robo, netrin and commissureless mutant embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. We found that the cell-surface molecules Frazzled and Robo work as guidance molecules not only for axons but also for dendrites as they navigate within the CNS. Furthermore, we report that each neuron showed a cell-autonomous and independent use of guidance molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System / cytology
  • Central Nervous System / embryology*
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Dendrites / metabolism*
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / innervation
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Membrane Proteins / deficiency
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Motor Neurons / cytology
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Nerve Growth Factors / deficiency
  • Nerve Growth Factors / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Netrin Receptors
  • Netrin-1
  • Netrins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / deficiency
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / deficiency
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Roundabout Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Netrin Receptors
  • Netrins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • comm protein, Drosophila
  • fra protein, Drosophila
  • Netrin-1
  • netrin-2