Thread by @MFainzilber

Preprint alert: @StefanieAlber et al discovered PTBP1 expression in ADULT peripheral neurons, with roles in sensory function and regeneration, transporting regeneration-associated RNAs to axons. Why is this so interesting? (1/6)
biorxiv.org/content/10.110…

The dogma is that PTBP1 should NOT be expressed in mature neurons, as it is downregulated as central neurons mature. So finding it in adult peripheral neurons is intriguing. (2/6)

PTBP1 is a splicing factor. Finding it outside the nucleus and trafficking RNA to axons in an injury-regulated manner is a new role, with interesting implications when thinking about the different regeneration capacities of central versus peripheral neurons. (3/6)

PTBP1 downregulation actually triggers neuronal differentiation. This was recently used to generate new neurons as a therapeutic approach in #Parkinsons, see commentary from @ErnestArenasSWE on those studies (4/6)
nature.com/articles/d4158…

Those works are based on the notion that PTBP1 is not expressed and does not have functions in adult neurons. Our current study clearly shows that PTBP1 is expressed in adult sensory and motor neurons, and has important functional roles in these adult neurons. (5/6)

This suggests that caution will be required in order to advance PTBP1 deletion approaches to the clinic. Thanks again to the whole team and great collaborators @StefanieAlber @jltwiss1 @Pabi_Sahoo @LetiziaMarvaldi @giovannicoppoIa @doron_ella and many others not on Twitter (6/6)

@threadreaderapp please unroll