Cytoskeleton and Membrane Organization at Axon Branches

Axon branching is a critical process ensuring a high degree of interconnectivity for neural network formation. As branching occurs at sites distant from the soma, it is necessary that axons have a local system to dynamically control and regulate axonal growth. This machinery depends on the orchestration of cellular functions such as cytoskeleton, subcellular transport, energy production, protein- and membrane synthesis that are adapted for branch formation. Compared to the axon shaft, branching sites show a distinct and dynamic arrangement of cytoskeleton components, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. This review discusses the regulation of axon branching in the context of cytoskeleton and membrane remodeling.

Automated summary

Axon branching is a critical process for neural network formation, requiring a local system to dynamically control and regulate axonal growth. Regulation of axon branching involves coordination of cellular functions such as cytoskeleton and membrane remodeling.