Looking into growth cones

doi:10.1016/0166-2236(89)90110-0

Trends in Neurosciences

Volume 12, Issue 12, 1989, Pages 503-506

https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-2236(89)90110-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

The growth cone is a crucial structure in effecting neurite elongation and guiding the neurite onto correct pathways by responding to environmental cues. Recently developed techniques in light and electron microscopy have greatly improved our understanding of the dynamic organization of membrane and cytoskeleton within the growth cone. The growth cone can now be directly observed to undergo a sequence of developmental changes to produce the neurite. The importance, in elongation and steering, of pulling of growth cone protrusions against adhesive contacts on the substrate is re-evaluated in the light of these findings.

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These extensions are primarily composed of bundled and mesh‐like F‐actin networks. In engorgement, the organelles and cytoplasm move forward and, finally, in consolidation, a new axon section is left behind (Bamburg, 2003; Goldberg and Burmeister, 1989). Within the cytoplasm are neurofilaments, which provide structure, and microtubules, which provide a mechanism for rapid vesicle transport (Rivas and Hatten, 1995; Schnapp et al., 1986).
The human brain assembles an incredible network of over a billion neurons. Understanding how these connections form during development in order for the brain to function properly is a fundamental question in biology. Much of this wiring takes place during embryonic development. Neurons are generated in the ventricular zone, migrate out, and begin to differentiate. However, neurons are often born in locations some distance from the target cells with which they will ultimately form connections. To form connections, neurons project long axons tipped with a specialized sensing device called a growth cone. The growing axons interact directly with molecules within the environment through which they grow. In order to find their targets, axonal growth cones use guidance molecules that can either attract or repel them. Understanding what these guidance cues are, where they are expressed, and how the growth cone is able to transduce their signal in a directionally specific manner is essential to understanding how the functional brain is constructed. In this chapter, we review what is known about the mechanisms involved in axonal guidance. We discuss how the growth cone is able to sense and respond to its environment and how it is guided by pioneering cells and axons. As examples, we discuss current models for the development of the spinal cord, the cerebral cortex, and the visual and olfactory systems.
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Trends in Neurosciences

ReviewLooking into growth cones

Abstract

Neuron

Dev. Biol.

Annu. Rev. Biophys. Chem.

Science

J. Cell Biol.

J. Cell Biol.

J. Cell Biol.

J. Cell Biol.

J. Neurosci.

Cell Motil. Cytoskel.

Nature

Science

J. Cell Biol.

Science

J. Cell Biol.

J. Cell Biol.

Cell Motil. Cytoskel.

J. Cell Biol.

J. Neurocytol.

Review
Looking into growth cones