Neuritogenesis: polarization of constitutive exocytosis by effectors of Rho-family GTPases?
The sprouting of neurites from a neuron represents a highly specialized form of cellular morphogenesis that must involve coordinated changes in two major cellular processes at two membrane locations: reorganization of the cytoskeleton and redirection of membrane traffic from the trans-Golgi network to the plasma membrane of the growth tip. How exactly are these two processes linked and how is spatial and temporal coordination achieved at the first instance of neurite sprouting? Recent advances may have already revealed some, if not most of the pieces in the puzzle. We discuss below, with some extrapolations, of what has recently come to light, and what more is needed to construct a coherent picture.
Teng
Felicia Y H
FY
NCA lab, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 30 Medical Drive, Singapore 117609, Singapore.
Tang
Bor Luen
BL
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002455:Cell Division; D016764:Cell Polarity; D005089:Exocytosis; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development*; D016501:Neurites / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000502:physiology; D004718:Saccharomycetales / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011494:Protein Kinases; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins