Drosophila Futsch regulates synaptic microtubule organization and is necessary for synaptic growth

We present evidence that Futsch, a novel protein with MAP1B homology, controls synaptic growth at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction through the regulation of the synaptic microtubule cytoskeleton. Futsch colocalizes with microtubules and identifies cytoskeletal loops that traverse the lateral margin of select synaptic boutons. An apparent rearrangement of microtubule loop architecture occurs during bouton division, and a genetic analysis indicates that Futsch is necessary for this process. futsch mutations disrupt synaptic microtubule organization, reduce bouton number, and increase bouton size. These deficits can be partially rescued by neuronal overexpression of a futsch MAP1B homology domain. Finally, genetic manipulations that increase nerve-terminal branching correlate with increased synaptic microtubule loop formation, and both processes require normal Futsch function. These data suggest a common microtubule-based growth mechanism at the synapse and growth cone.