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Updated: Sep 26, 2025
07:43
In vivo Assessment of Microtubule Dynamics and Orientation in Caenorhabditis elegans Neurons
Published on: November 20, 2021
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Microtubule Dynamics Following Central and Peripheral Nervous System Axotomy
Riya Kulkarni1, Akshata Thakur1, Hemant Kumar1
1National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India.
ACS Chemical Neuroscience
|April 22, 2022
Summary
Neuronal microtubule (MT) instability hinders axonal repair in the central nervous system (CNS), unlike the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Understanding MT dynamics is key for developing therapies for neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Axonal transport relies on a stable microtubule (MT) network.
- Disturbances in neuronal MTs impede intra-axonal transport and network repair.
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons exhibit intrinsic repair via MT stabilization and growth cone formation, while central nervous system (CNS) neurons form non-regenerative retraction bulbs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microtubule (MT) dynamics post-axotomy in CNS and PNS neurons.
- To identify factors influencing MT stabilization and destabilization.
- To highlight the role of MTs in axonal regeneration for therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on axonal regeneration and MT dynamics.
- Comparative analysis of MT behavior in CNS versus PNS neurons post-injury.
- Discussion of cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic factors affecting MT stability.
Main Results:
- CNS neurons form retraction bulbs with disorganized MTs, hindering regeneration.
- PNS neurons stabilize MTs, forming growth cones that promote regeneration.
- Therapeutic strategies for axonal regeneration ultimately target MT stabilization.
Conclusions:
- Microtubule (MT) dynamics are critical for axonal regeneration after injury.
- Targeting MT stabilization offers a promising therapeutic avenue for CNS repair.
- Understanding factors influencing MT stability is essential for treating neurological disorders like spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
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