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Polarity of the Cytoskeleton

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...

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A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...

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Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...

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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...

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Neurons: The Axon

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

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

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

Published on: October 14, 2021

Cytoskeleton: axons earn their stripes.

Matthew N Rasband¹

¹Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA. rasband@bcm.edu

Current Biology : CB

|March 12, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The axonal cytoskeleton, crucial for nerve cell function, forms a periodic, ladder-like structure. This organization involves actin rings and spectrin complexes, revealed by super-resolution imaging.

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Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy (3D-SIM)

Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy (3D-SIM)

Published on: February 11, 2022

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Last Updated: May 13, 2026

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

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Published on: October 14, 2021

Stripe Assay to Study the Attractive or Repulsive Activity of a Protein Substrate Using Dissociated Hippocampal Neurons

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Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy (3D-SIM)

Measuring Properties of the Membrane Periodic Skeleton of the Axon Initial Segment using 3D-Structured Illumination Microscopy (3D-SIM)

Published on: February 11, 2022

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Biophysics

Background:

The axonal cytoskeleton provides essential structural support for neurons.
Understanding axonal cytoskeleton organization is key to comprehending neuronal function and development.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the detailed organization of the submembranous axonal cytoskeleton.
To elucidate the structural basis of axonal support and flexibility.

Main Methods:

Utilized advanced super-resolution imaging techniques.
Analyzed the spatial arrangement of cytoskeletal components within axons.

Main Results:

Revealed a periodic, ladder-like organization of the axonal cytoskeleton.
Identified alternating rings of actin interconnected by spectrin complexes.

Conclusions:

The axonal cytoskeleton exhibits a highly ordered, periodic structure.
This unique organization, involving actin and spectrin, underlies axonal strength and flexibility.