University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bioprobes and Genetics Reveal the Signal Integration That Initiates Dendrites in a Neuron in Vivo

Kamiyama, Daichi

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Description

Title
Bioprobes and Genetics Reveal the Signal Integration That Initiates Dendrites in a Neuron in Vivo
Author(s)
Kamiyama, Daichi
Issue Date
2007
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Chiba, Akira
Department of Study
Neuroscience
Discipline
Neuroscience
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biology, Molecular
Language
eng
Abstract
Precise positioning of axons and dendrites in the CNS holds the key to establishing neural networks. To achieve this, each subcellular compartment in differentiating neurons must translate cues from surrounding tissues into cytoskeletal rearrangements by orchestrating intrinsic signaling molecules. Monomeric Rho GTPases are capable of mediating diverse transmembrane signal pathways. However, the means to monitor and dissect molecular signaling within a subcellular compartment are limited, and the role of Rho GTPases and their partners remains unresolved in neurons. Here, I investigate the molecules and mechanisms that initiate dendrites in a uniquely identified neuron in Drosophila embryos. Using bioprobes to corroborate genetic evidence, we show how separate inputs integrate at the Rho GTPase Cdc42 and together restrict the initiation of dendrites to precise time and space within a neuron. My study links Cdc42 activity to dendrogenesis and introduces a powerful approach by which to study molecular integration within differentiating neurons in vivo.
Graduation Semester
2007
Type of Resource
text
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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/82516

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