Recent advances in branching mechanisms underlying neuronal morphogenesis

Shalini Menon,Stephanie Gupton

doi:10.12688/f1000research.16038.1

Shalini Menon, Stephanie Gupton

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.16038.1

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Journal: F1000Research	Publication Date: Nov 12, 2018
Citations: 31	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Abstract

Proper neuronal wiring is central to all bodily functions, sensory perception, cognition, memory, and learning. Establishment of a functional neuronal circuit is a highly regulated and dynamic process involving axonal and dendritic branching and navigation toward appropriate targets and connection partners. This intricate circuitry includes axo-dendritic synapse formation, synaptic connections formed with effector cells, and extensive dendritic arborization that function to receive and transmit mechanical and chemical sensory inputs. Such complexity is primarily achieved by extensive axonal and dendritic branch formation and pruning. Fundamental to neuronal branching are cytoskeletal dynamics and plasma membrane expansion, both of which are regulated via numerous extracellular and intracellular signaling mechanisms and molecules. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the biology of neuronal branching.

Highlights

Elaborate branched structures are present across fungi, plant, and animal kingdoms
Interaction with the extracellular environment influences branching Adhesions formed by a neuron with other cell types or with the extracellular matrix (ECM) promote or restrict arborization by locally initiating signaling cascades that converge on the cytoskeletal machinery and result in stabilization or destabilization of branches[67]
The studies reviewed here along with research over the past four decades highlight the complexity of the regulation of neuronal branching

Summary

Introduction

Elaborate branched structures are present across fungi, plant, and animal kingdoms. These beautiful forms are paramount to function, including mycelial colonization, plant vascularization, and the physiological functions of the circulatory, respiratory, renal, and nervous systems. Interaction with the extracellular environment influences branching Adhesions formed by a neuron with other cell types or with the extracellular matrix (ECM) promote or restrict arborization by locally initiating signaling cascades that converge on the cytoskeletal machinery and result in stabilization or destabilization of branches[67] Further validation identified 18 genes whose mRNA is transported to dendrites for local translation and regulation of branching These pathways are likely relevant in vivo in mammals; recent evidence demonstrates that mRNA, and in particular actin mRNA, is transported to docking sites, and subsequent local protein synthesis hotspots in the retinal ganglion axon in vivo, and that these sites overlap with branch initiation sites. This novel mechanism could contribute to the identification of therapeutic targets for the treatment of epileptic seizures

Conclusion

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