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Related Concept Videos

Neuron Structure01:30

Neuron Structure

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Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to...
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The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

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Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
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Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

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Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of 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....
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Neurons: The Cell Body and the Dendrites01:23

Neurons: The Cell Body and the Dendrites

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A typical nerve cell comprises three main components: the cell body, dendrites, and the axon. The cell body, also known as the soma or perikaryon, serves as the central biosynthetic hub housing a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm containing organelles commonly found in most cells. Notably, Nissl bodies, clusters of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes responsible for protein synthesis, are distinctive features of the neuronal cell body. As neurons age, aggregates of a brown pigment...
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Neurons as Communicators of the Brain01:22

Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

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Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, function as the primary transmitters of information throughout the body. Their ability to communicate through electrical and chemical signals is vital for every bodily function, from regulating the heartbeat to processing complex thoughts. Each neuron has three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon, each specialized to facilitate swift and efficient neural communication.
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
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Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

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Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Use of Pre-Assembled Plastic Microfluidic Chips for Compartmentalizing Primary Murine Neurons
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RNA in axons, dendrites, synapses and beyond.

Richard Taylor1, Nikolas Nikolaou2

  • 1Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
|October 3, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Neurons utilize localized RNAs in axons and dendrites for rapid responses. This review explores RNA diversity, function, and exosome roles in neuronal communication, with future insights from advanced sequencing.

Keywords:
circular RNA (circRNA)cleavage and polyadenylationintron retaining RNA (IR RNA)local mRNA translationlong non coding RNA (lncRNA)messenger RNA (mRNA)microRNA (miRNA)stability and degradation

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Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization
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Last Updated: Jun 11, 2025

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Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization
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Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization

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Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Coding and non-coding RNAs are found in neuronal axons, dendrites, and synapses.
  • These localized RNAs support essential neuronal functions like growth, branching, synapse formation, and plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diversity of RNA subclasses in neuronal subcellular compartments.
  • To discuss similarities and differences in axonal, dendritic, and synaptic local transcriptomes.
  • To explore the functions and fates of localized RNAs and their role in exosomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on neuronal RNA localization.
  • Analysis of existing data on axonal, dendritic, and synaptic transcriptomes.
  • Discussion of emerging third-generation sequencing technologies.

Main Results:

  • Significant diversity of RNA subclasses exists in neuronal compartments.
  • Distinct and overlapping RNA profiles are observed in axonal, dendritic, and synaptic transcriptomes.
  • Exosomes budded from neurites contain RNAs with implications for intercellular communication.

Conclusions:

  • Localized RNAs are crucial for neuronal function and plasticity.
  • Understanding local transcriptomes provides insights into neuronal complexity.
  • Advanced sequencing will reveal greater diversity in RNA isoforms and modifications.