Neurons extend processes (neurites) that can reach more than 1 meter in length. Formation of neurites requires both cytoskeletal remodeling and membrane transport. Shirane and Nakayama have now identified a protein, protrudin, that is essential for neurite extension triggered by nerve growth factor. Protrudin binds to and inhibits the activity of the protein Rab11, which functions as a molecular switch in membrane transport to the cell surface.
M. Shirane, K. I. Nakayama, Protrudin induces neurite formation by directional membrane trafficking. Science 314, 818-821 (2006). [Abstract] [Full Text]
