Membrane tension propagation couples axon growth and collateral branching

Neuronal axons must navigate a mechanically heterogeneous environment to reach their targets, but the biophysical mechanisms coupling mechanosensation, growth, and branching are not fully understood. Here, we show that local changes in membrane tension propagate along axons at approximately 20.m/s, more than 1000-fold faster than in most other nonmotile cells where this property has been measured. Local perturbations to tension decay along the axon with a length constant of approximately 41.m. This rapid and long-range mechanical signaling mediates bidirectional competition between axonal branch initiation and growth cone extension. Our data suggest a mechanism by which mechanical cues at one part of a growing axon can affect growth dynamics remotely.

Automated summary

This study reveals that neuronal axons can remotely influence growth dynamics through rapid and long-range mechanical signaling, resulting in bidirectional competition between axonal branching and growth cone extension.