Microtubule organisation in developing neurons (360G-Wellcome-109145_Z_15_A)

Microtubule (MT) bundles found in neuronal axons are highly organised, as around 90% of MTs point with their growing end (commonly referred to as the +end) away from the cell body. This MT orientation is crucial for correct cargo localisation. Known for more than 30 years, the underlying mechanisms for axonal MT organisation are yet to be discovered. Preliminary experimental data from the Franze group suggest that correctly oriented (or "+end out") MTs in axons are selectively stabilised whereas oppositely oriented ones are not. The stabilisation requires both axonal cortex integrity and cytoplasmic dynein function, and MT destabilisation leads to the breakdown of MT organisation. In this project, I will focus on the exploration of the mechanism(s) that lead to the stabilisation of "correctly" oriented MTs. Furthermore, I will investigate how MT organisation could be related to common pathologies.