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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
11:51
Purification of the Dendritic Filopodia-rich Fraction
Published on: May 2, 2019
Twigs into branches: how a filopodium becomes a dendrite
Maxwell G Heiman1, Shai Shaham
1Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA. heiman@rockefeller.edu
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|November 27, 2009
Summary
Dendrite growth involves filopodia forming stable branches upon contacting a presynaptic partner. Membrane tension is proposed as a key trigger for this crucial developmental decision.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Dendrite development is crucial for neuronal connectivity.
- Filopodia are transient actin-rich protrusions that explore the environment.
- The mechanism initiating filopodia stabilization into dendrite branches remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the triggers that initiate filopodia stabilization into dendrite branches.
- To evaluate potential signaling pathways involved in synapse formation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on filopodia dynamics and neuronal development.
- Analysis of proposed molecular mechanisms including receptor activity, adhesion proteins, and membrane tension.
Main Results:
- Filopodia stabilize into dendrite branches within one minute of contacting a presynaptic partner.
- Three potential triggers were considered: neurotransmitter receptor activity, adhesion protein signaling, and membrane tension.
- Membrane tension is highlighted as a plausible general mechanism for signaling attachment.
Conclusions:
- Membrane tension provides a unifying mechanism for sensing target contact during dendrite branch formation.
- Understanding these triggers is vital for comprehending neural circuit development and plasticity.
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