Kinesin-related gene unc-104 is required for axonal transport of synaptic vesicles in C. elegans

David H. Hall, Edward M. Hedgecock

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

467 Scopus citations

Abstract

unc-104 encodes a novel kinesin paralog that may act as a microtubule-based motor In the nervous system. Neuronal cell lineages and axonogenesis are normal in unc-104 null mutants, but axons have few synaptic vesicles and make only a few small synapses. By contrast, neuron cell bodies have surfeits of similar vesicles tethered together within the cytoplasm. Based on behavioral and cellular phenotypes, we suggest that UNC-104 is a neuron-specific motor used for anterograde translocation of synaptic vesicles along axonal microtubuies. Other membrane-bounded organelles are transported normally.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)837-847
Number of pages11
JournalCell
Volume65
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 31 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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