Requirement of Heavy Neurofilament Subunit in the Development of Axons with Large Calibers

摘要: Neurofilaments (NFs) are prominent components of large myelinated axons. Previous studies have suggested that NF number as well the phosphorylation state COOH-terminal tail heavy neurofilament (NF-H) subunit major determinants axonal caliber. We created NF-H knockout mice to assess contribution development axon size its effect on amounts low and mid-sized subunits (NF-L NF-M respectively). Surprisingly, we found NF-L levels were reduced only slightly whereas tubulin proteins unchanged in NF-H–null mice. However, calibers both small diameter axons diminished despite fact these showed a slight decrease density filaments mutant most frequently spaced at same interfilament distance control. Significantly, failed develop central peripheral nervous systems. These results demonstrate directly unlike losing or subunits, loss has Yet plays role