Axonal plasticity in response to active forces generated through magnetic nano-pulling

Mechanical force is crucial in guiding axon outgrowth before and after synapse formation. This process is referred to as stretch growth.However, how neurons transduce mechanical input into signaling pathways remains poorly understood. Another open question is how stretch growth is coupled in time with the interca-lated addition of new mass along the entire axon. Here, we demonstrate that active mechanical force gener-ated by magnetic nano-pulling induces remodeling of the axonal cytoskeleton. Specifically, the increase in the axonal density of microtubules induced by nano-pulling leads to an accumulation of organelles and signaling vesicles, which, in turn, promotes local translation by increasing the probability of assembly of the translation factories.Modulation of axonal transport and local translation sustains enhanced axon outgrowth and synapse maturation.

Automated summary

Mechanical force plays a crucial role in guiding axon outgrowth and synapse formation, and this process is known as stretch growth. However, the mechanism of how neurons convert mechanical input into signaling pathways is still not well understood. Additionally, the coordination between stretch growth and the addition of new mass along the axon remains unanswered. In this study, it is demonstrated that magnetic nano-pulling induces remodeling of the axonal cytoskeleton, leading to an increase in microtubule density and subsequent accumulation of organelles and signaling vesicles. This promotes local translation and sustains enhanced axon outgrowth and synapse maturation.