RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Developmental Downregulation of LIS1 Expression Limits Axonal Extension and Allows Axon Pruning JF bioRxiv FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory SP 109132 DO 10.1101/109132 A1 Kanako Kumamoto A1 Tokuichi Iguchi A1 Takuya Uemura A1 Makoto Sato A1 Shinji Hirotsune YR 2017 UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/02/16/109132.abstract AB The robust axonal growth and regenerative capacities of young neurons decrease substantially with age. This developmental downregulation of axonal growth may facilitate axonal pruning and neural circuit formation but limits functional recovery following nerve damage. While external factors influencing axonal growth have been extensively investigated, relatively little is known about the intrinsic molecular changes underlying the age-dependent reduction in regeneration capacity. We report that developmental downregulation of LIS1 is responsible for the decreased axonal extension capacity of mature dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In contrast, exogenous LIS1 expression or endogenous LIS1 augmentation by calpain inhibition restored axonal extension capacity in mature DRG neurons and facilitated regeneration of the damaged sciatic nerve. The insulator protein CTCF suppressed LIS1 expression in mature DRG neurons, and this reduction resulted in excessive accumulation of phosphoactivated GSK-3β at the axon tip, causing failure of the axonal extension. Conversely, sustained LIS1 expression inhibited developmental axon pruning in the mammillary body. Thus, LIS1 regulation may coordinate the balance between axonal growth and pruning during maturation of neuronal circuits.Summary Statement Developmental downregulation of LIS1 coordinates the balance between axonalelongation and pruning, which is essential for proper neuronal circuit formation but limits nerve regeneration.