Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
11:46
Axon Stretch Growth: The Mechanotransduction of Neuronal Growth
Published on: August 10, 2011
Got sulfate? Luring axons this way and that.
Nancy B Schwartz1, Mauricio Cortes, Leslie A King
1Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. n-schwartz@uchicago.edu
Chemistry & Biology
|February 24, 2007
Summary
Sulfated glycosaminoglycans play a crucial role in neural development through complex modifications. New microarrays enable scientists to study these sugar patterns and their interactions with other molecules.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are complex carbohydrates with critical roles in biological processes.
- Sulfation patterns of GAGs are highly specific and dynamically regulated.
- These modifications influence cellular functions, particularly during neural development.
Discussion:
- Shipp and Hsieh-Wilson present novel microarray technology for analyzing GAG modifications.
- This platform allows for the high-throughput probing of GAG structures.
- Understanding GAG heterogeneity is essential for deciphering their biological functions.
Key Insights:
- The study introduces a powerful tool for glycomics research.
- Microarrays facilitate the investigation of structure-function relationships in GAGs.
- This technology can accelerate discoveries in developmental biology and disease.
Outlook:
- Future applications may involve diagnostics and therapeutic development.
- Further research can elucidate the precise roles of specific GAG sulfation patterns.
- This work paves the way for deeper understanding of GAG-mediated signaling pathways.
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01:41Action Potentials
Overview
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:21Neurons: The Axon
Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
01:12Synaptic Signaling
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.