A role for Sec8 in oligodendrocyte morphological differentiation

Anitei, M., Ifrim, M., Ewart, M.-A., Cowan, A.E., Carson, J.H., Bansal, R. and Pfeiffer, S.E. (2006) A role for Sec8 in oligodendrocyte morphological differentiation. Journal of Cell Science, 119(5), pp. 807-818. (doi: 10.1242/​jcs.02785)

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Abstract

In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes synthesize vast amounts of myelin, a multilamellar membrane wrapped around axons that dramatically enhances nerve transmission. A complex apparatus appears to coordinate trafficking of proteins and lipids during myelin synthesis, but the molecular interactions involved are not well understood. We demonstrate that oligodendrocytes express several key molecules necessary for the targeting of transport vesicles to areas of rapid membrane growth, including the exocyst components Sec8 and Sec6 and the multidomain scaffolding proteins CASK and Mint1. Sec8 overexpression significantly promotes oligodendrocyte morphological differentiation and myelin-like membrane formation in vitro; conversely, siRNA-mediated interference with Sec8 expression inhibits this process, and anti-Sec8 antibody induces a reduction in oligodendrocyte areas. In addition, Sec8 colocalizes, coimmunoprecipitates and cofractionates with the major myelin protein OSP/Claudin11 and with CASK in oligodendrocytes. These results suggest that Sec8 plays a central role in oligodendrocyte membrane formation by regulating the recruitment of vesicles that transport myelin proteins such as OSP/Claudin11 to sites of membrane growth.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ewart, Dr Marie-Ann
Authors: Anitei, M., Ifrim, M., Ewart, M.-A., Cowan, A.E., Carson, J.H., Bansal, R., and Pfeiffer, S.E.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Journal of Cell Science
ISSN:0021-9533
Published Online:14 February 2006

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