LIN-44/Wnt Directs Dendrite Outgrowth through LIN-17/Frizzled in C. elegans Neurons
2011
Signals That Trigger Dendrite Growth Are Identified
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Leonie Kirszenblat, Divya Pattabiraman, Massimo Hilliard
Hypothesis
How does a dendrite grow?
Conclusion
The study reveals that the Wnt ligand LIN-44 plays an instructive role in dendrite growth in C. elegans neurons.
Supporting Evidence
- LIN-44 is crucial for dendrite growth and is produced in cells near the dendrite's target.
- Mutations in LIN-44 lead to abnormal dendrite development without affecting axons.
- LIN-17 acts as a receptor for LIN-44 and is necessary for proper dendrite growth.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special signal helps nerve cells grow their branches, which is important for how our nervous system develops.
Methodology
The authors studied the PQR neuron in C. elegans and examined the effects of Wnt mutants on dendrite development.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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