Semaphorin 3A induces CaV2.3 channel-dependent conversion of axons to dendrites
Author: ["Makoto Nishiyama","Kazunobu Togashi","Melanie J. von Schimmelmann","Chae-Seok Lim","Shin-ichi Maeda","Naoya Yamashita","Yoshio Goshima","Shin Ishii","Kyonsoo Hong"]
Publication: Nature Cell Biology
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Abstract
Polarized neurites (axons and dendrites) form the functional circuitry of the nervous system. Secreted guidance cues often control the polarity of neuron migration and neurite outgrowth by regulating ion channels. Here, we show that secreted semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) induces the neurite identity of Xenopus spinal commissural interneurons (xSCINs) by activating CaV2.3 channels (CaV2.3). Sema3A treatment converted the identity of axons of cultured xSCINs to that of dendrites by recruiting functional CaV2.3. Inhibition of Sema3A signalling prevented both the expression of CaV2.3 and acquisition of the dendrite identity, and inhibition of CaV2.3 function resulted in multiple axon-like neurites of xSCINs in the spinal cord. Furthermore, Sema3A-triggered cGMP production and PKG activity induced, respectively, the expression of functional CaV2.3 and the dendrite identity. These results reveal a mechanism by which a guidance cue controls the identity of neurites during nervous system development. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a key guidance cue for neuronal growth. Sema3A is now shown to facilitate the conversion of axons to dendrites by stimulating signalling through CaV2.3 calcium channels.
Cite this article
Nishiyama, M., Togashi, K., von Schimmelmann, M. et al. Semaphorin 3A induces CaV2.3 channel-dependent conversion of axons to dendrites. Nat Cell Biol 13, 676–685 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb2255
