High impact information on Lis-1

• Analogous mosaic analysis shows that neurons containing a mutated cytoplasmic-dynein heavy chain (Dhc64C) exhibit phenotypes similar to Lis1 mutants [1].
• These results implicate Lis1 as a regulator of the microtubule cytoskeleton and show that it is important for diverse physiological functions in the nervous system [1].
• Drosophila Lis1 is required for neuroblast proliferation, dendritic elaboration and axonal transport [1].
• DLis-1 is further required for nurse-cell-to-oocyte transport during oocyte growth, and for the positioning of the nucleus in the oocyte [2].
• Lis1 is required for nuclear migration in fungi, cell cycle progression in mammals, and the formation of a folded cerebral cortex in humans [3].

Biological context of Lis-1

• In addition, we develop an improved time-lapse video microscopy technique that allows live imaging of GFP-Lis1, GFP-Rod checkpoint protein, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled chromosomes, or GFP-labeled mitotic spindle dynamics in neuroblasts within whole larval brain explants [3].

Anatomical context of Lis-1

• Immunostaining of DLis-1 protein reveals a cortical localization that is independent of microtubules [2].
• LIS1 is hypothesized to regulate nuclear movement in migrating neurons through interactions with the cytoskeleton, while the alpha-subunits, whose structure is known, contain a trypsin-like triad within the framework of a unique tertiary fold [4].

Other interactions of Lis-1

• Drosophila Lissencephaly-1 functions with Bic-D and dynein in oocyte determination and nuclear positioning [2].
• DLis1 mutations affect the localization of gurken mRNA and protein in the oocyte [5].

References