Abstract

Actin filament dynamics are crucial for the formation and function of neuronal networks, but knowledge about its regulation is still fragmented. Speakers of this symposium will provide novel insights into i) actin regulatory mechanisms relevant for brain development and function, ii) actin manipulation as a therapeutic strategy for CNS axon regeneration and iii) regulation and function of neuronal F-actin structures that have been discovered by super-resolution microscopy only recently.

This symposium will highlight recent advances on the neuronal functions of the actin cytoskeleton and on the complex interplay of actin regulators to balance actin filament dis-/assembly and, hence, to adapt the actin cytoskeleton to the neuronal needs, which is a rapidly progressing field fundamental to the mechanisms underlying human CNS disorders.

Christophe Leterrier will introduce ongoing studies in which he combines versatile labeling approaches, correlative live-cell/super-resolution/electron microscopy and quantitative analysis to delineate and map the nanoscale architecture of cytoskeletal actin and their associated assemblies within the axon: the periodic actin-spectrin submembrane scaffold, presynaptic actin assemblies and clathrin-coated pits.

Monica Sousa investigates pathways that control axon growth during development and post-synapse formation as well as axon degeneration and regeneration following injury and disease. She will present novel insights into the mechanisms that adopt the cytoskeleton to these different stages of the axonal lifespan.

Finally, Marco Rust established cyclase-associated protein (CAP) as a novel actin regulator in neurons. He will present insights into CAP-dependent molecular mechanisms relevant for mammalian brain development and synaptic function.