Neuronal polarization by UNC-6 (netrin) / UNC-40 (DCC) signaling is not determined by the asymmetric distribution of UNC-6 (original) (raw)

The polarization of post-mitotic neurons is poorly understood. Pre-existing spatially asymmetric cues, distributed within the neuron or as extracellular gradients, could be required for neurons to polarize. Alternatively, neurons might have the intrinsic ability to polarize without any pre-established asymmetric cues. In C. elegans, the UNC-40 (DCC) receptor mediates responses to the extracellular UNC-6 (netrin) guidance cue. For the HSN neuron, an UNC-6 ventral-dorsal gradient asymmetrically localizes UNC-40 to the ventral HSN surface.