Microtubule-associated protein 6 mediates neuronal connectivity through Semaphorin 3E-dependent signalling for axonal growth.

Jean-Christophe Deloulme, Sylvie Gory-Fauré, Franck Mauconduit, Sophie Chauvet, Julie Jonckheere, Benoit Boulan, Erik Mire, Jing Xue, Marion Jany, Caroline Maucler, Agathe A Deparis, Olivier Montigon, Alexia Daoust, Emmanuel L Barbier, Christophe Bosc, Nicole Deglon, Jacques Brocard, Eric Denarier, Isabelle Le Brun, Karin Pernet-Gallay, Isabelle Vilgrain, Phillip J Robinson, Hana Lahrech, Fanny Mann, Annie Andrieux

Index: Nat. Commun. 6 , 7246, (2015)

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Abstract

Structural microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) stabilize microtubules, a property that was thought to be essential for development, maintenance and function of neuronal circuits. However, deletion of the structural MAPs in mice does not lead to major neurodevelopment defects. Here we demonstrate a role for MAP6 in brain wiring that is independent of microtubule binding. We find that MAP6 deletion disrupts brain connectivity and is associated with a lack of post-commissural fornix fibres. MAP6 contributes to fornix development by regulating axonal elongation induced by Semaphorin 3E. We show that MAP6 acts downstream of receptor activation through a mechanism that requires a proline-rich domain distinct from its microtubule-stabilizing domains. We also show that MAP6 directly binds to SH3 domain proteins known to be involved in neurite extension and semaphorin function. We conclude that MAP6 is critical to interface guidance molecules with intracellular signalling effectors during the development of cerebral axon tracts.