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Rewiring Neuronal Circuits: A New Method for Fast Neurite Extension and Functional Neuronal Connection
Published on: June 13, 2017
Ion flux drives neurite retraction
Greta Schmidt1, Sarah Olson2, Suzanne Scarlata1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester, MA, USA.
None:
Neuronal cells are subject to large ion fluxes during synaptic transmission. Here, we find that adding Na+ or K+ to PC12 cells at concentrations above 350 mOsm, similar to those experienced during stimulation, induces neurite retraction. Retraction is mediated by the activity of Na+ and K+ channels and requires Cl- to preserve electroneutrality and does not occur with other osmolytes. Using a probe sensitive to membrane tension, we find that under basal conditions, there is a difference in tension between neurites and the somas that equalize as the neurites retract. Similar results are seen in a smooth muscle cell line, suggesting that this retraction behavior might be general. Our data are consistent with a model in which retraction is driven by channel-induced differences in the volume of neurites and somas as the cells recover from stress. These studies show that ion fluxes can impact cell morphology and connectivity.
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