Colchicine is a drug that causes microtubules to break apart (depolymerize). What effect would this drug have on anterograde transport? What would happen in the axon terminal?

Sourav PanSeptember 23, 2024

Answered

Colchicine, by causing microtubules to depolymerize, would significantly disrupt anterograde transport in neurons. Anterograde transport is the process by which materials, such as proteins and organelles, are transported from the cell body (soma) down the axon to the axon terminal. This transport relies on microtubules as tracks along which motor proteins, such as kinesin, “walk” to carry vesicles and other cargo.

Effects on Anterograde Transport:

1. Disruption of Transport Mechanism: With microtubules breaking apart, the tracks necessary for kinesin to transport materials would be compromised. This would lead to a decrease or complete halt in the movement of materials toward the axon terminal.
2. Accumulation of Materials: As a result of disrupted transport, materials that are normally moved to the axon terminal would accumulate in the soma and along the axon. This could lead to a buildup of proteins and organelles that are essential for synaptic function and maintenance.

Effects in the Axon Terminal:

1. Depletion of Necessary Proteins: Over time, the axon terminal would become depleted of essential proteins and organelles that are required for neurotransmitter release and synaptic function. This could impair the neuron’s ability to communicate effectively with other neurons.
2. Potential Synaptic Dysfunction: The accumulation of materials in the soma and the lack of necessary components in the axon terminal could lead to synaptic dysfunction, affecting the overall signaling and health of the neuron.