An absolute rate theory model for tension control of axonal elongation

Abstract

This paper extends our previous thermodynamic model for the effect of mechanical force on the microtubule assembly that accompanies axonal (neurite) elongation of neurons. Based on the previous treatment, experimental data, and the formalism of absolute rate theory, we derive an exact expression for how tension on the neurite affects mechanical force in the microtubule, and in turn, how these affect the rate of microtubule assembly and neurite outgrowth in cultured neurons. This prediction approximates the experimentally observed linear relationship between growth rate and experimentally applied tension, and predicts the previously postulated three-position integral control.