Microtubule-dependent ribosome localization in neurons.
Kentaro Noma, Alexandr Goncharov, Mark H Ellisman, Yishi Jin
Author Information
Kentaro Noma: Division of Biological Sciences, Neurobiology Section, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States. ORCID
Alexandr Goncharov: Division of Biological Sciences, Neurobiology Section, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States.
Mark H Ellisman: National Center for Research in Biological Systems, Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States.
Yishi Jin: Division of Biological Sciences, Neurobiology Section, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States. ORCID
Subcellular localization of ribosomes defines the location and capacity for protein synthesis. Methods for in vivo visualizing ribosomes in multicellular organisms are desirable in mechanistic investigations of the cell biology of ribosome dynamics. Here, we developed an approach using split GFP for tissue-specific visualization of ribosomes in . Labeled ribosomes are detected as fluorescent puncta in the axons and synaptic terminals of specific neuron types, correlating with ribosome distribution at the ultrastructural level. We found that axonal ribosomes change localization during neuronal development and after axonal injury. By examining mutants affecting axonal trafficking and performing a forward genetic screen, we showed that the microtubule cytoskeleton and the JIP3 protein UNC-16 exert distinct effects on localization of axonal and somatic ribosomes. Our data demonstrate the utility of tissue-specific visualization of ribosomes , and provide insight into the mechanisms of active regulation of ribosome localization in neurons.
