Patterning dendritic arbors : molecular mechanisms controlling branching and arbor size

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Dendrites allow neurons to integrate information from sensory or synaptic inputs. The spatial disposition and local density of branches within the arbor limit the number and type of inputs. We have shown that a group of transcriptional regulators are expressed selectively in subclasses and that they exert their cell-autonomous functions to control formation of the class-specific arbors. Our genetical as well as in vivo cell-biological approaches have revealed an important link between microtubule motors and organelles, such as endosomes, in controlling branch density and spatial disposition of branches within dendritic arbors. Finally we have found that a novel family of mitochondrial proteins is important for preventing breakage of dendritic branches.