FIGURE 8. A schematic model illustrating a role of MACF1 in neurite outgrowth.

(A) MACF1 regulates neurite outgrowth. In control neurons, MACF1 localized at the neurite tip stabilizes microtubules by bundling them together and contributes to accumulate polymerized actins at the neurite tip. In contrast, MACF1 deficiency leads to microtubule debundling at the neurite tip. Also, polymerized actins are reduced and scattered around the neurite tip in the absence of MACF1, but accumulated in the cytosol. (B) GSK-3 regulates MACF1 activity on dendritic arborization. Unphosphorylated MACF1 is required for primary dendritic polarity. GSK-3 phosphorylation of MACF1 induces short multiple primary dendrites.