title: Mechanosensitive channels in neurite outgrowth.
abstract: This chapter focuses on the convergence of two areas of investigation in the past: the first is the study of the molecular basis for Ca(2+)-dependent axon pathfinding, and the second is the molecular and the functional characterization of mechanosensitive Ca(2+)-permeant cation channels (MscCa). The convergence of these two fields has reached a pivotal point when some ion channels belonging to the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of proteins play essential roles in the growth cone guidance, and, independently, some of these channels are found to form MscCa of vertebrate cells. Various lines of evidence taken together make likely the idea that MscCa can substantially contribute to the spatial and temporal shaping of Ca(2+) responses in growing neurites. These findings are described and the possible contributions of MscCa to the neurite outgrowth are also discussed in the chapter.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Fisiologia Umana "G. Moruzzi," Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pellegrino
authors.affiliation: Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pellegrini