Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Expanding the Toolkit for In Vivo Imaging of Axonal Transport
Published on: December 23, 2021
The role of TSC1 and TSC2 proteins in neuronal axons
Vasiliki Karalis1,2, Delaney Wood2,3, Nicole A Teaney1,2
1Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 and 2 proteins, TSC1 and TSC2 respectively, participate in a multiprotein complex with a crucial role for the proper development and function of the nervous system. This complex primarily acts as an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, and mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 cause a neurodevelopmental disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Neurological manifestations of TSC include brain lesions, epilepsy, autism, and intellectual disability. On the cellular level, the TSC/mTOR signaling axis regulates multiple anabolic and catabolic processes, but it is not clear how these processes contribute to specific neurologic phenotypes. Hence, several studies have aimed to elucidate the role of this signaling pathway in neurons. Of particular interest are axons, as axonal defects are associated with severe neurocognitive impairments. Here, we review findings regarding the role of the TSC1/2 protein complex in axons. Specifically, we will discuss how TSC1/2 canonical and non-canonical functions contribute to the formation and integrity of axonal structure and function.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)
Tail-anchoring of Proteins in the ER Membrane
Neurons: The Axon
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment....
Enzyme-linked Receptors
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
Nervous Tissue: Myelin
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...

