Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying directed motility of growth cones have not been determined. The role of myosin-V, an unconventional myosin, in growth cone dynamics was examined by chromophore-assisted laser inactivation (CALI). CALI of purified chick brain myosin-V absorbed onto nitrocellulose-coated cover slips inhibited the ability of myosin-V to translocate actin filaments. CALI of myosin-V in growth cones of chick dorsal root ganglion neurons resulted in rapid filopodial retraction. The rate of filopodial extension was significantly decreased, whereas the rate of filopodial retraction was not affected, which suggests a specific role for myosin-V in filopodial extension.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adenosine Triphosphate / pharmacology
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Animals
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Axons / physiology*
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Axons / ultrastructure
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Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / immunology
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Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / physiology*
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Cells, Cultured
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Chick Embryo
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Dendrites / physiology*
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Dendrites / ultrastructure
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Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
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Ganglia, Spinal / cytology
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Lasers
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Microinjections
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Myosin Light Chains / antagonists & inhibitors
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Myosin Light Chains / immunology
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Myosin Light Chains / physiology*
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Myosin Type V*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / immunology
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
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Pseudopodia / physiology*
Substances
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Calmodulin-Binding Proteins
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Myosin Light Chains
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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chicken brain myosin-V p190
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Adenosine Triphosphate
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Myosin Type V