Neuron
Volume 96, Issue 2, 11 October 2017, Pages 373-386.e6
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Article
Paclitaxel Reduces Axonal Bclw to Initiate IP3R1-Dependent Axon Degeneration

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2017.09.034Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Paclitaxel acts directly on sensory axons to cause degeneration

  • Paclitaxel reduces translation of Bclw, a Bcl2 family member synthesized in axons

  • The Bclw BH4 domain specifically binds axonal IP3R1 and prevents degeneration

Summary

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating side effect of many cancer treatments. The hallmark of CIPN is degeneration of long axons required for transmission of sensory information; axonal degeneration causes impaired tactile sensation and persistent pain. Currently the molecular mechanisms of CIPN are not understood, and there are no available treatments. Here we show that the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel triggers CIPN by altering IP3 receptor phosphorylation and intracellular calcium flux, and activating calcium-dependent calpain proteases. Concomitantly paclitaxel impairs axonal trafficking of RNA-granules and reduces synthesis of Bclw (bcl2l2), a Bcl2 family member that binds IP3R1 and restrains axon degeneration. Surprisingly, Bclw or a stapled peptide corresponding to the Bclw BH4 domain interact with axonal IP3R1 and prevent paclitaxel-induced degeneration, while Bcl2 and BclxL cannot do so. Together these data identify a Bclw-IP3R1-dependent cascade that causes axon degeneration and suggest that Bclw-mimetics could provide effective therapy to prevent CIPN.

Keywords

Axon degeneration
IP3R1
Bclw (Bcl2l2)
SFPQ
chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
paclitaxel
RNA transport
calpain

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