[Degeneration of growth cones in a culture of embryonic neurons of mouse with presenilin 1 gene knockout].

A comparative study of growth cone morphology in cultured embryonic neurons derived from wild type PS 1(+/+) and knockout PS 1(-/-) mice has been performed. Growth cones from wild type PS 1(+/+) mice were well spread and usually formed radially continuous and regular lamellar extensions with numerous filopodia. In contrast, most growth cones from knockout PS 1(-/-) mice exhibited small lamellar extensions, short filopodia, and pure adhesion. A significant amount of growth cones from knockout PS 1(-/-) mice collapsed after 3-4 days in culture. It was suggested that PS 1 plays an important role in growth cone structure by stabilizing the integrity of the cytoskeleton. The growth cone collapse may be the main reason for abnormal neuronal migration and impaired synaptic function in PS 1(-/-) mice.

Duke Scholars

Author Michael P. Vitek Neurology, Behavioral Neurology