Microtubule Acetylation Is Required for Mechanosensation in Drosophila

Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2018 papers

Abstract

At the cellular level, α-tubulin acetylation alters the structure of microtubules to render them mechanically resistant to compressive forces. How this biochemical property of microtubule acetylation relates to mechanosensation remains unknown, although prior studies have shown that microtubule acetylation influences touch perception. Here, we identify the major Drosophila α-tubulin acetylase (dTAT) and show that it plays key roles in several forms of mechanosensation. dTAT is highly expressed in the larval peripheral nervous system (PNS), but it is largely dispensable for neuronal morphogenesis. Mutation of the acetylase gene or the K40 acetylation site in α-tubulin impairs mechanical sensitivity in sensory neurons and behavioral responses to gentle touch, harsh touch, gravity, and vibration stimuli, but not noxious thermal stimulus. Finally, we show that dTAT is required for mechanically induced activation of NOMPC, a microtubule-associated transient receptor potential channel, and functions to maintain integrity of the microtubule cytoskeleton in response to mechanical stimulation.

Related Papers

• → Effect of alpha-tubulin acetylation on the doublet microtubule structure(2023)
• → eLife Assessment: Effect of alpha-tubulin acetylation on the doublet microtubule structure(2023)
• → Effect of alpha-tubulin acetylation on the doublet microtubule structure(2023)
• → Effect of alpha-tubulin acetylation on the doublet microtubule structure(2024)
• → Author Response: Effect of alpha-tubulin acetylation on the doublet microtubule structure(2024)