Dynamic Palmitoylation Targets MAP6 to the Axon to Promote Microtubule Stabilization during Neuronal Polarization

Elena Tortosa, Youri Adolfs, Masaki Fukata, R. Jeroen Pasterkamp, Lukas C Kapitein, Casper C. Hoogenraad*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are main candidates to stabilize neuronal microtubules, playing an important role in establishing axon-dendrite polarity. However, how MAPs are selectively targeted to specific neuronal compartments remains poorly understood. Here, we show specific localization of microtubule-associated protein 6 (MAP6)/stable tubule-only polypeptide (STOP) throughout neuronal maturation and its role in axonal development. In unpolarized neurons, MAP6 is present at the Golgi complex and in secretory vesicles. As neurons mature, MAP6 is translocated to the proximal axon, where it binds and stabilizes microtubules. Further, we demonstrate that dynamic palmitoylation, mediated by the family of α/β Hydrolase domain-containing protein 17 (ABHD17A-C) depalmitoylating enzymes, controls shuttling of MAP6 between membranes and microtubules and is required for MAP6 retention in axons. We propose a model in which MAP6's palmitoylation mediates microtubule stabilization, allows efficient organelle trafficking, and controls axon maturation in vitro and in situ.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)809-825.e7
JournalNeuron
Volume94
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 May 2017

Keywords

  • cytoskeleton
  • MAP6
  • microtubule stabilization
  • microtubule-associated proteins
  • neuronal polarity
  • palmitoylation
  • STOP
  • α/β Hydrolase domain-containing protein (ABHD)

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