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Sci. Signal., 11 August 2009
Vol. 2, Issue 83, p. pe49
[DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.283pe49]

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Actin and Microtubule-Based Cytoskeletal Cues Direct Polarized Targeting of Proteins in Neurons

Don B. Arnold*

Department of Biology and Program in Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.

Abstract: Neuronal proteins are transported to either the axon or dendrites through the action of kinesin motors; however, understanding of how cytoskeletal elements steer these cargo-motor complexes to one compartment or the other has remained elusive. Three recent developments—the discovery of an actin-based filter within the axon initial segment, the identification of the pivotal role played by myosin motors in dendritic targeting, and the determination of the properties of a kinesin motor that cause it to prefer axonal to dendritic microtubules—have now provided a structural framework for understanding polarized targeting in neurons.

* Corresponding author. E-mail, darnold{at}usc.edu

Citation: D. B. Arnold, Actin and Microtubule-Based Cytoskeletal Cues Direct Polarized Targeting of Proteins in Neurons. Sci. Signal. 2, pe49 (2009).

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Axon Physiology.
D. Debanne, E. Campanac, A. Bialowas, E. Carlier, and G. Alcaraz (2011)
Physiol Rev 91, 555-602
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