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Related Experiment Videos

Target attraction: are developing axons guided by chemotropism?

M Tessier-Lavigne1, M Placzek

  • 1Dept of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0452.

Trends in Neurosciences
|July 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Ramón y Cajal's chemotropic theory suggests developing axons are guided by target-secreted molecules. Evidence shows growth cones can orient in molecular gradients, supporting chemotropism's role in vertebrate axon guidance.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Ramón y Cajal's chemotropic theory posits target-derived molecules guide developing axons.
  • The in vivo role of chemoattractants in axon guidance remains under investigation.
  • Growth cone navigation in response to molecular cues is a fundamental process in neural development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting the chemotropic theory of axon guidance.
  • To discuss the importance of diffusible factors in directing axonal projections.
  • To explore the potential contribution of chemotropism to vertebrate neural wiring.

Main Methods:

  • Review of in vitro studies on nerve growth factor (NGF) and sensory axon regeneration.
  • Analysis of research on diffusible factors secreted by neuronal targets.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Discussion of established axonal projection patterns in vertebrates.

    • Main Results:

    • In vitro studies demonstrate growth cone orientation in nerve growth factor (NGF) gradients.
    • Target cells of developing neurons secrete unidentified diffusible factors that orient axons.
    • These findings provide evidence for the existence and importance of chemoattractants.

    Conclusions:

    • Chemotropism, the attraction of axons by diffusible molecules, is supported by experimental evidence.
    • Diffusible factors from target tissues play a crucial role in guiding axonal projections.
    • Chemotropism likely contributes significantly to the formation of specific axonal pathways in vertebrates.