Molecular cues that guide the development of neural connectivity.
Diffusible and substrate-bound cues can guide axonal pathway choice via attractive and repulsive signals. A number of families of signalling molecules have been identified, including netrins and their receptors, semaphorins, neuropilins, Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, ephrins and CAMs. Many of these signalling molecules can have a dual role, functioning either as attractants or as repellents. Direction of growth cone extension requires reorganization of the cytoskeleton, which may be directed by the Rho family of GTPases.
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Department of Biochemistry, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, U.K.
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development*; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D000075386:Netrin Receptors; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000254:growth & development; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000502:physiology; D036082:Receptor, EphA1; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D000075386:Netrin Receptors; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D036082:Receptor, EphA1