Tctp is an evolutionarily conserved protein that has been implicated in cell growth and cancer. Transcripts encoding Tctp are known to be enriched within the axonal compartment of many neurons but how they function in this context is unclear. Here, motivated by the parallels between axon growth and cancer cell invasion, Christine Holt and colleagues investigate the role of Tctp in the Xenopus visual system (p. 1134). They first report that Tctp is expressed throughout the retina, including in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons. Using morpholino-mediated knockdown, the researchers reveal that Tctp is required for establishing correct axonal projections in the retina; RGC axons in morphants are shorter and grow in a dispersed fashion as a result of impaired axon extension. Tctp-depleted axons also exhibit a reduction in mitochondrial density and compromised axonal mitochondrial function. Finally, the authors demonstrate that axonal Tctp interacts with Bcl2-related myeloid cell leukaemia 1 (Mcl1) and that its pro-survival activity is required for normal axon development. In summary, these findings highlight a novel function for Tctp, suggesting that it supports axon development in the visual system via regulation of pro-survival signalling and axonal mitochondrial homeostasis.
A new look for the tumour protein Tctp
A new look for the tumour protein Tctp. Development 1 April 2016; 143 (7): e0702. doi:
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