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Growth cone 3-D morphology is modified by distinct micropatterned adhesion substrates
Mirko Messa1, Claudio Canale, Emanuele Marconi
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, Genova 16132, Italy.
IEEE Transactions on Nanobioscience
|April 16, 2009
Summary
Axonal growth cones (GCs) change shape during neuronal development. GCs flatten on attractive L1 molecule tracks, aiding axon growth, unlike on non-specific PDL surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Neuronal network development relies on directional axonal growth.
- Axonal growth cones (GCs) guide this process, influencing connectivity and plasticity.
- Understanding GC morphology is crucial for studying neural development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the 3-D morphology and structural plasticity of axonal growth cones (GCs) and axons.
- To analyze how GCs and axons change shape during early in vitro development.
- To determine the effect of specific adhesion molecules (L1) versus non-specific substrates (PDL) on GC and axon morphology.
Main Methods:
- Primary hippocampal neurons cultured on PDL-coated glass surfaces.
- Micropatterning surfaces with L1 adhesion molecules using indirect microcontact printing.
- Analysis of neuronal morphology using fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) at 1-7 days in vitro.
- Quantification of GC and axon 3-D profiles and shape parameters.
Main Results:
- Axons exhibited a decreasing height-to-width ratio during development.
- GCs and axons on L1 tracks showed a significantly lower height-to-width ratio compared to those on PDL.
- GCs on L1 tracks adopted a flattened morphology, while those on PDL had more prominent shapes with steeper edges.
- Atomic force microscopy revealed dynamic morphological rearrangements during axon outgrowth and substrate interaction.
Conclusions:
- Axon and GC morphology is dynamically regulated during development and substrate interaction.
- Specific cues like L1 promote a flattened GC shape, optimizing sensing and progression.
- Non-specific substrates lead to distinct, more rounded GC morphologies.
- These findings provide insights into the physical mechanisms governing axonal pathfinding and neural network formation.
