Neuronal Polarity
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Axonal Growth and Regeneration, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: fbradke{at}neuro.mpg.de
Abstract
The assembly of functional neuronal networks in the developing animal relies on the polarization of neurons, i.e., the formation of a single axon and multiple dendrites. Breaking the symmetry of neurons depends on cytoskeletal rearrangements. In particular, axon specification requires local dynamic instability of actin and stabilization of microtubules. The polarized cytoskeleton also provides the basis for selective trafficking and retention of cellular components in the future somatodendritic or axonal compartments. Hence, these mechanisms are not only essential to achieve neuronal polarization, but also to maintain it. Different extracellular and intracellular signals converge on the regulation of the cytoskeleton. Most notably, Rho GTPases, PI3K, Ena/VASP, cofilin and SAD kinases are major intracellular regulators of neuronal polarity. Analyzing polarity signals under physiological conditions will provide a better understanding of how neurons can be induced to repolarize under pathological conditions, i.e., to regenerate their axons after central nervous system (CNS) injury.
Footnotes
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Editors: Rong Li and Bruce Bowerman
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Additional Perspectives on Symmetry Breaking in Biology available at www.cshperspectives.org
- Copyright © 2009 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved