Mutation of the H12-helix of α-tubulin/MEC-12 disrupts the localization of neuronal mitochondria

Microtubules are essential components of the cytoskeleton that allow bi-lateral neuronal transport. Correct regulation of these complex intracellular transport processes is central to neuronal function. However, despite major advancements in our knowledge, we still lack a complete understanding on how neuronal transport is regulated. Here, we provide further evidence for the importance of the highly conserved N-terminal H12-helix of α-tubulin. We show that a mutation in this region results in the mistargeting of axonal mitochondria in Caenorhabditis elegans , thereby establishing the importance of the H12-helix in regulating mitochondrial transport in neurons.