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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
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High-resolution Time-lapse Imaging and Automated Analysis of Microtubule Dynamics in Living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Published on: August 13, 2016
The microtubule network and neuronal morphogenesis: Dynamic and coordinated orchestration through multiple players
Fabienne E Poulain1, André Sobel
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR839, UPMC Univ, Paris 06, Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris F-75005, France. fabienne@neuro.utah.edu
Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences
|August 8, 2009
Summary
Neuronal development involves dynamic microtubule reorganization. This review details how microtubule-regulating proteins control neuronal shape and function during development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Nervous system function depends on complex neuronal networks formed during development.
- Neuronal morphogenesis, including axon and dendrite outgrowth, requires dynamic microtubule cytoskeleton reorganization.
- Microtubule regulators are crucial for stabilizing, assembling, depolymerizing, or fragmenting microtubules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the regulation of the microtubule network during neuronal morphogenesis.
- To elucidate the roles of various microtubule-regulating proteins in neuronal differentiation.
- To describe signaling pathways coordinating these proteins for neuronal development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microtubule dynamics and neuronal development.
- Analysis of the functions of microtubule-regulating proteins.
- Examination of signaling pathways influencing neuronal morphogenesis.
Main Results:
- Microtubule dynamics are actively regulated throughout neuronal development.
- Specific proteins control tubulin availability and modulate microtubule behavior.
- Environmental cues influence signaling pathways that coordinate protein activities.
Conclusions:
- Microtubule regulation is essential for establishing neuronal architecture and function.
- A complex interplay of proteins and signaling pathways governs neuronal differentiation.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to comprehending nervous system development and plasticity.
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