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

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
Cytoplasm01:16

Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The cytosol is a rich broth of water, ions, salts, and various organic molecules.Protein Folding and MisfoldingThe cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein core...
Cytoplasm01:24

Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The cytosol is a rich broth of water, ions, salts, and various organic molecules.
Protein Folding and Misfolding
The cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein...
Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their homologs were...
Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Beat II and Side IV keep migrating longitudinal visceral muscle precursor cells on their substratum in Drosophila.

Journal of cell science·2026
Same author

Formin 3 stabilizes the cytoskeleton of Drosophila tendon cells, thus enabling them to resist muscle tensile forces.

Journal of cell science·2025
Same author

Molecular insights into the axon guidance molecules Sidestep and Beaten path.

Frontiers in physiology·2022
Same author

Rearrangements in the musculature correlate with jumping behaviour in legless Mediterranean fruit fly larvae Ceratitis capitata (Tephritidae).

Scientific reports·2022
Same author

Dynamic monitoring of vital functions and tissue re-organization in Saturnia pavonia (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) during final metamorphosis by non-invasive MRI.

Scientific reports·2022
Same author

Misregulation of <i>Drosophila</i> Sidestep Leads to Uncontrolled Wiring of the Adult Neuromuscular System and Severe Locomotion Defects.

Frontiers in neural circuits·2021

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
06:54

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues

Published on: June 3, 2021

The synaptic cytoskeleton in development and disease.

Bernd Goellner1, Hermann Aberle

  • 1Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Functional Cell Morphology Lab, Düsseldorf, Germany.

Developmental Neurobiology
|April 22, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The neuronal cytoskeleton is crucial for synapse structure and function. Disruptions lead to defects and may underlie human neurological diseases, as shown in Drosophila models.

More Related Videos

Analysis of Dendritic Spine Morphology in Cultured CNS Neurons
11:48

Analysis of Dendritic Spine Morphology in Cultured CNS Neurons

Published on: July 13, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
06:54

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues

Published on: June 3, 2021

Analysis of Dendritic Spine Morphology in Cultured CNS Neurons
11:48

Analysis of Dendritic Spine Morphology in Cultured CNS Neurons

Published on: July 13, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The cytoskeleton provides neuronal architecture, supporting form, size, and cargo transport.
  • Synaptic cytoskeleton includes microtubule-based core and cortical actin networks, with spectrin/ankyrin regulating stability.
  • Cytoskeletal disruption impacts synapse maturation, stability, and neuronal communication, linked to inherited diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of synaptic cytoskeleton in neuronal architecture and disease.
  • Utilize model organisms to understand cytoskeletal malfunction mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on synaptic cytoskeleton.
  • Analysis of Drosophila models for cytoskeletal defects and their consequences.

Main Results:

  • Cytoskeletal integrity is essential for axonal transport, synapse maturation, and terminal stability.
  • Loss of cytoskeletal architecture in Drosophila leads to progressive synaptic defects, including bouton retraction and detachment.

Conclusions:

  • Synaptic cytoskeleton plays a vital role in maintaining neuronal structure and function.
  • Drosophila models reveal mechanisms of cytoskeletal disruption relevant to human neurological disorders.