Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Visualizing Axonal Growth Cone Collapse and Early Amyloid β Effects in Cultured Mouse Neurons
06:23

Visualizing Axonal Growth Cone Collapse and Early Amyloid β Effects in Cultured Mouse Neurons

Published on: October 30, 2018

Inhibition of microtubule nucleation at the neuronal centrosome compromises axon growth

F J Ahmad1, H C Joshi, V E Centonze

  • 1Department of Anatomy, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53706.

Neuron
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Neuronal axon growth depends on microtubule (MT) nucleation from the centrosome. Inhibiting this process severely hinders MT reassembly and axon extension, impacting neuronal development.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microtubules (MTs) are crucial cytoskeletal components involved in neuronal development.
  • The centrosome is a primary site for microtubule nucleation in neurons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of centrosomal microtubule nucleation in axon growth.
  • To determine the impact of inhibiting microtubule nucleation on neuronal development.

Main Methods:

  • Neurons were treated with nocodazole to depolymerize microtubules.
  • Microtubule regrowth and axon extension were monitored after drug removal.
  • Gamma-tubulin antibody microinjection was used to inhibit microtubule nucleation at the centrosome.

Main Results:

  • Microtubule regrowth from the centrosome was observed within 5 minutes of nocodazole removal.
  • Inhibition of microtubule nucleation by gamma-tubulin antibody significantly reduced microtubule levels and abolished or compromised axon growth.
  • A dose-dependent effect was observed, with severe inhibition leading to abolished axon growth and moderate inhibition compromising it.

Conclusions:

  • Centrosomal microtubule nucleation is essential for efficient microtubule reassembly.
  • The extent of microtubule nucleation inhibition directly correlates with the severity of axon growth impairment.
  • These findings highlight the critical role of the centrosome in supporting neuronal axon formation.

More Related Videos

In vivo Assessment of Microtubule Dynamics and Orientation in Caenorhabditis elegans Neurons07:43

In vivo Assessment of Microtubule Dynamics and Orientation in Caenorhabditis elegans Neurons

Published on: November 20, 2021

Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues07:21

Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues

Published on: November 17, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Microtubule Instability02:17

Microtubule Instability

Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated assembly and...
Microtubule Formation01:23

Microtubule Formation

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo continuous assembly and disassembly. They originate from specialized multi-protein complexes known as microtubule organizing centers or MTOCs. Within the MTOC, the point of origin of the microtubule is known as the minus end, while the end radiating outward is the plus end. Microtubules serve two primary functions — the organization of spindle complexes to separate sister chromatids during mitotic or meiotic cell division and the formation of...
Destabilization of Microtubules01:45

Destabilization of Microtubules

The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
Microtubule Instability02:17

Microtubule Instability

Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated assembly and...
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...