Dendrite remodeling according to GARP

Abstract

Disruptions in membrane trafficking are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, but underlying pathological mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this issue, O'Brien et al. (2023. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202112108) show how GARP regulates sterol transfer critical for remodeling of dendrites in flies.

Figure 1.

GARP and EARP complexes are required for vesicle trafficking and dendrite remodeling. GARP and EARP complexes share three common units, Vps51, Vps52, and Vps53, and a complex-specific Vps. Mutations in Vps54 of the GARP complex (Vps54^KO/KO) induce changes in sensory neurons, including expansion of Rab7-positive vesicles and TGN, and increased sterol accumulation, whereas mutations in Vps50 of the EARP complex (Vps50^KO/KO) induce expansion of Rab5-positive vesicles. In the absence of either the GARP or EARP complex–specific component, cIV sensory neurons in adult flies exhibit enlarged lysosomes and reduced regrowth of dendrites. Representative images of dendritic growth in cIV neurons of +/+, Vps54^KO/KO, and Vps50^KO/KO flies from O’Brien et al. (6). Figure created with BioRender.com.