Journal
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
Volume 84, Issue -, Pages 68-76Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.05.010
Keywords
Neurofilaments; intermediate filaments; cytoskeleton; myelin; development; plasticity
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Intermediate filaments are critical for the extreme structural specialisations of neurons, providing integrity in dynamic environments and efficient communication along axons a metre or more in length. As neurons mature, an initial expression of nestin and vimentin gives way to the neurofilament triplet proteins and alpha-internexin, substituted by peripherin in axons outside the CNS, which physically consolidate axons as they elongate and find their targets. Once connection is established, these proteins are transported, assembled, stabilised and modified, structurally transforming axons and dendrites as they acquire their full function. The interaction between these neurons and myelinating glial cells optimises the structure of axons for peak functional efficiency, a property retained across their lifespan. This finely calibrated structural regulation allows the nervous system to maintain timing precision and efficient control across large distances throughout somatic growth and, in maturity, as a plasticity mechanism allowing functional adaptation. Crown Copyright (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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