A novel role for the DNA repair gene Rad51 in Netrin-1 signalling

Mutations in RAD51 have recently been linked to human Congenital Mirror Movements (CMM), a developmental disorder of the motor system. The only gene previously linked to CMM encodes the Netrin-1 receptor DCC, which is important for formation of corticospinal and callosal axon tracts. Thus, we hypothesised that Rad51 has a novel role in Netrin-1-mediated axon development. In mouse primary motor cortex neurons, Rad51 protein was redistributed distally down the axon in response to Netrin-1, further suggesting a functional link between the two. We next manipulated Rad51 expression, and assessed Netrin-1 responsiveness. Rad51 siRNA knockdown exaggerated Netrin-1-mediated neurite branching and filopodia formation. RAD51 overexpression inhibited these responses, whereas overexpression of the CMM-linked R250Q mutation, a predicted loss-of-function, had no effect. Thus, Rad51 appears to negatively regulate Netrin-1 signalling. Finally, we examined whether Rad51 might operate by modulating the expression of the Unc5 family, known negative regulators of Netrin-1-responsiveness. Unc5b and Unc5c transcripts were downregulated in response to Rad51 knockdown, and upregulated with RAD51 overexpression, but not R250Q. Thus, Rad51 negatively regulates Netrin-1 signalling, at least in part, by modulating the expression of Unc5s. Imbalance of positive and negative influences is likely to lead to aberrant motor system development resulting in CMMs.