Clusters of neuronal Neurofascin prefigure node of Ranvier position along single axons

Abstract

The spacing of nodes of Ranvier crucially affects conduction properties along myelinated axons. It has been assumed that node position is primarily driven by the growth of myelin sheaths. Here, we reveal an additional mechanism of node positioning that is driven by the axon. We show through longitudinal live imaging of node formation dynamics that stable clusters of the cell adhesion molecule Neurofascin A accumulate at specific sites along axons prior to myelination. While some of these clusters change position upon encounter with growing myelin sheaths, others restrict sheath extension and are therefore predictive of future node position. Animals that lack full-length Neurofascin A showed increased internodal distances and less regular spacing of nodes along single axons. Together, our data reveal the existence of an axonal mechanism to position its nodes of Ranvier that does not depend on regulation of myelin sheath length.