title: Microtubules in neurons as information carriers.
abstract: Microtubules in neurons consist of highly dynamic regions as well as stable regions, some of which persist after bouts of severing as short mobile polymers. Concentrated at the plus ends of the highly dynamic regions are microtubule plus end tracking proteins called +TIPs that can interact with an array of other proteins and structures relevant to the plasticity of the neuron. It is also provocative to ponder that short mobile microtubules might similarly convey information with them as they transit within the neuron. Thus, beyond their known conventional functions in supporting neuronal architecture and organelle transport, microtubules may act as 'information carriers' in the neuron.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, USA.
authors.forename: Erik W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Dent
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Baas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
keywords: axon; dendrite; microtubule; spine