Neuronal Polarity and Trafficking

摘要: Among the most morphologically complex cells, neurons are masters of membrane specialization. Nowhere is this more striking than in division cellular labor between axon and dendrites. In morphology, signaling properties, cytoskeletal organization, physiological function, axons dendrites (or properly, somatodendritic compartment) radically different. Such polarization into domains specialized for either receiving (dendrites) or transmitting (axons) signals provides underpinning all neural circuitry. The initial specification axonal dendritic identity occurs early neuronal life, persists decades, manifested by presence very different sets cell surface proteins. Yet, how polarity established, distinct maintained, integral proteins directed to accumulate remain enduring formidable questions biology.