Formation of neuronal dendrite branches: the role of actin nucleators

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The establishment of correct neuronal dendrite morphology is essential for appropriate connectivity and information processing in the nervous system. In fact, defects in dendrite organization correlate with nervous system dysfunction. Nonetheless, the basic mechanisms underlying the formation of the complex and neuronal-type specific morphology of dendrites are still far from understood. Here, we propose to investigate which combinations of actin nucleators are involved in the formation of dendritic branches, a highly dynamic process. To this aim, we will use a well described group of neurons, the da neurons of the embryonic and larval peripheral nervous system of Drosophila. We will combine genetic and RNAi-mediated gene silencing with in vivo time-lapse studies and electron-microscopy, using a technique for improved actin preservation. Our goal is to examine all potential actin nucleators in Drosophila, establish their role in dendrite branching by loss- and gain-of-function experiments and to put this information into the context of the structural description provided by the electron-microscopy. We are confident that this combination of approaches will yield models of the function of actin nucleator complexes in vivo during the formation of dendrite branches.