How does neurofilament phosphorylation regulate axonal outgrowth and stabilization?

Abstract

Neurofilaments (NFs) are tissue-specific intermediate filaments that maintain neuronal structural stability. Mammalian NFs are composed of Heavy (NF-H), Medium (NF-M), and Light (NF-L) subunits, named according to their molecular mass, along with α-internexin or peripherin (in central or peripheral nervous systems, respectively). NF subunits assemble linearly, with C-terminal regions extending from the filament “backbone.” Phosphorylation of C-terminal “side arms” of NF-H promotes NF-NF interactions, providing stability to axons.