The Axonal Actin Filament Cytoskeleton: Structure, Function, and Relevance to Injury and Degeneration

Early investigations of the neuronal actin filament cytoskeleton gave rise to the notion that, although growth cones exhibit high levels of actin filaments, the axon shaft exhibits low levels of actin filaments. With the development of new tools and imaging techniques, the axonal actin filament cytoskeleton has undergone a renaissance and is now an active field of research. This article reviews the current state of knowledge about the actin cytoskeleton of the axon shaft. The best understood forms of actin filament organization along axons are axonal actin patches and a submembranous system of rings that endow the axon with protrusive competency and structural integrity, respectively. Additional forms of actin filament organization along the axon have also been described and their roles are being elucidated. Extracellular signals regulate the axonal actin filament cytoskeleton and our understanding of the signaling mechanisms involved is being elaborated. Finally, recent years have seen advances in our perspective on how the axonal actin cytoskeleton is impacted by, and contributes to, axon injury and degeneration. The work to date has opened new venues and future research will undoubtedly continue to provide a richer understanding of the axonal actin filament cytoskeleton.