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Growth cones are actively influenced by substrate-bound adhesion molecules
S M Burden-Gulley1, H R Payne, V Lemmon
1Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
Summary
Axon growth cones rapidly change shape when encountering new cell adhesion (CAM) or extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. These substrate interactions guide axonal pathfinding during neural development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Axons navigate complex environments during development, guided by cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules.
- Growth cone morphology is known to vary on different substrates in vitro and in vivo, suggesting environmental cues influence their behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic morphological changes and behavioral responses of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) growth cones when encountering new substrates.
- To understand how abrupt changes in the growth cone's molecular environment influence axonal pathfinding.
Main Methods:
- Utilized time-lapse video microscopy to observe RGC growth cones.
- Examined dynamic transformations of growth cones transitioning between different substrates (L1/8D9, N-cadherin, laminin).
Main Results:
- Contact with a new substrate induced rapid and significant alterations in growth cone morphology, sometimes affecting the entire structure.
- Growth cone behavioral responses were dependent on the sequence of substrate exposure.
- Observed distinct morphological changes and behavioral adaptations to new molecular cues.
Conclusions:
- Growth cones are highly sensitive to their surrounding substrate.
- Abrupt changes in the molecular composition of the growth cone's environment play a crucial role in guiding axonal pathfinding decisions.