Review of the multiple aspects of neurofilament functions, and their possible contribution to neurodegeneration.
Neurofilaments (NF) are the most abundant cytoskeletal component of large myelinated axons from adult central and peripheral nervous system. Here, we provide an overview of the complementary approaches, including biochemistry, cell biology and transgenic technology that were used to investigate the assembly, axonal transport and functions of NF in normal and pathological situations. Following their synthesis and assembly in the cell body, NFs are transported along the axon. This process is finely regulated via phosphorylation of the carboxy-terminal part of the two high-molecular-weight subunits of NF. The correct formation of an axonal network of NF is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of axonal calibre and consequently for the optimisation of conduction velocity. The frequent disorganisation of NF network observed in several neuropathologies support their contribution. However, despite the presence of NF mutations found in some patients, the exact relations between these mutations, the abnormal NF organisation and the pathological process remain a challenging field of investigation.
Perrot
Rodolphe
R
Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Laval University, Quebec, G1V 4G2, Canada.
Berges
Raphael
R
Bocquet
Arnaud
A
Eyer
Joel
J
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007382:Intermediate Filaments / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016900:Neurofilament Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational
D016900:Neurofilament Proteins