Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Cell Polarization by Rho Proteins01:21

Cell Polarization by Rho Proteins

Cell polarity is the asymmetric distribution of cellular and membrane components, making one side of the cell different from the other. This polarity is essential to many processes such as embryogenesis, axon migration, glucose transport across epithelial cells, and directional cell migration. A migrating cell responds to intracellular or extracellular signals via molecular cascades that reorganize the actin cytoskeleton to establish this polarity. In these cells, the Rho family proteins Cdc42,...
Polarity of the Cytoskeleton01:18

Polarity of the Cytoskeleton

The intrinsic polarity of cells can be primarily attributed to two factors- i) the asymmetric accumulation of mobile components such are regulatory molecules and subcellular components across the cell and ii) the orientation of polar cytoskeletal filaments that make up the cytoskeletal networks, specifically microfilaments, and microtubules arranged along the axis of polarity. Interactions between the cytoskeletal filaments are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of the polar nature...
Nervous Tissue: Neuron Types01:19

Nervous Tissue: Neuron Types

Neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system, can be classified based on both their structural and functional characteristics.
Structurally, neurons are categorized into three main types: multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar (or pseudounipolar). Multipolar neurons, which are the most common type in the brain and spinal cord, as well as all motor neurons, possess multiple dendrites and a single axon.
Bipolar neurons, on the other hand, have one primary dendrite and one axon. They are...
Resting Membrane Potential01:24

Resting Membrane Potential

The relative difference in electrical charge, or voltage, between the inside and the outside of a cell membrane, is called the membrane potential. It is generated by differences in permeability of the membrane to various ions and the concentrations of these ions across the membrane.
The Inside of a Neuron is More Negative
The membrane potential of a cell can be measured by inserting a microelectrode into a cell and comparing the charge to a reference electrode in the extracellular fluid. The...
Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview01:21

Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview

An electrochemical gradient is a fundamental concept in biology and chemistry. It regulates the movement of ions across cell membranes. This movement is influenced by two factors:
The electrical gradient: The electrical gradient across cell membranes refers to the difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a cell.  This difference drives the movement of ions towards or away from the cells. For instance, if the inside of the cell is more negatively charged relative to the...
The Resting Membrane Potential01:21

The Resting Membrane Potential

Overview

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Assessment of early-phase [<sup>18</sup>F]florbetaben images as a proxy for brain metabolism in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism : official journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism·2026
Same author

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association·2025
Same author

Alzheimer's Imaging Consortium.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association·2025
Same author

Targeted environmental enrichment is more effective than bipedal treadmill training after thoracic spinal cord injury.

Brain communications·2025
Same author

Distinct reduction in relative microglial glucose uptake compared to astrocytes and neurons upon isolation from the brain environment.

Frontiers in cellular neuroscience·2025
Same author

Heterozygosity in NPC may be associated with neurologic and systemic phenotypes.

Frontiers in neurology·2025
Same journal

Evolutionary and Biochemical Perspectives on the Incorporation and Utilization of Selenocysteine.

Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology·2026
Same journal

The Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter: From Parts to Signaling Networks.

Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology·2026
Same journal

Growth Control and Beyond: Functional Diversity and Regulation of the Hippo Pathway in the Nervous System.

Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology·2026
Same journal

Structural Studies of Core Hippo Pathway Components.

Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology·2026
Same journal

The Hippo Pathway in Intestinal Regeneration, Fetal Reprogramming, and Tumorigenesis.

Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology·2026
Same journal

A Synergy between Genetics and Biochemistry Unravels the Molecular Architecture of the Hippo Signaling Pathway.

Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Fabrication of Magnetic Platforms for Micron-Scale Organization of Interconnected Neurons
09:54

Fabrication of Magnetic Platforms for Micron-Scale Organization of Interconnected Neurons

Published on: July 14, 2021

Neuronal polarity.

Sabina Tahirovic1, Frank Bradke

  • 1Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Axonal Growth and Regeneration, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|January 13, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Neuronal polarization, essential for brain development, relies on cytoskeletal dynamics. Understanding these mechanisms may aid axon regeneration after central nervous system (CNS) injury.

More Related Videos

Live-Cell Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brains
07:06

Live-Cell Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brains

Published on: June 23, 2023

In Situ Visualization of Axon Growth and Growth Cone Dynamics in Acute Ex Vivo Embryonic Brain Slice Cultures
10:45

In Situ Visualization of Axon Growth and Growth Cone Dynamics in Acute Ex Vivo Embryonic Brain Slice Cultures

Published on: October 14, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Fabrication of Magnetic Platforms for Micron-Scale Organization of Interconnected Neurons
09:54

Fabrication of Magnetic Platforms for Micron-Scale Organization of Interconnected Neurons

Published on: July 14, 2021

Live-Cell Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brains
07:06

Live-Cell Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brains

Published on: June 23, 2023

In Situ Visualization of Axon Growth and Growth Cone Dynamics in Acute Ex Vivo Embryonic Brain Slice Cultures
10:45

In Situ Visualization of Axon Growth and Growth Cone Dynamics in Acute Ex Vivo Embryonic Brain Slice Cultures

Published on: October 14, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Neuronal polarization, the formation of a single axon and multiple dendrites, is crucial for establishing functional neural networks during development.
  • This process depends on precise cytoskeletal rearrangements, including actin dynamics and microtubule stabilization.
  • The polarized cytoskeleton also governs the selective transport and localization of cellular components within developing neurons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal polarization.
  • To identify key intracellular regulators involved in establishing and maintaining neuronal asymmetry.
  • To explore the potential for understanding axon regeneration in the context of central nervous system (CNS) injury.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cytoskeletal dynamics, focusing on actin and microtubules.
  • Investigation of signaling pathways involving Rho GTPases, PI3K, Ena/VASP, cofilin, and SAD kinases.
  • Examination of extracellular and intracellular signals regulating neuronal polarity.

Main Results:

  • Axon specification involves local actin dynamic instability and microtubule stabilization.
  • The polarized cytoskeleton is critical for the directed trafficking and retention of cellular components.
  • Several intracellular signaling molecules, including Rho GTPases and kinases, are identified as major regulators of neuronal polarity.

Conclusions:

  • Neuronal polarization is a complex process regulated by cytoskeletal dynamics and specific signaling pathways.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for both normal neural development and potential therapeutic strategies for CNS injury.
  • Further analysis of polarity signals could illuminate pathways for inducing neuronal repolarization and axon regeneration.