Characterizing Endocytic Machinery Localization at Branch Points

Neurons possess a unique arboreal shape due to the microtubule backbone. In dendrites, it has been found that gamma-tubulin, a microtubule nucleation factor, localizes to branch points along with endocytic proteins. This suggests that branch points are sites of both microtubule nucleation and endocytosis. The mechanisms for why this localization occurs specifically at branch points are unknown. Using genetic manipulation in Drosophila and confocal microscopy techniques, I demonstrate that endocytosis favors convex curvature.