Axon Initial Segment Cytoskeleton: Architecture, Development, and Role in Neuron Polarity
The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized structure in neurons that resides in between axonal and somatodendritic domains. The localization of the AIS in neurons is ideal for its two major functions: it serves as the site of action potential firing and helps to maintain neuron polarity. It has...
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Wiley
2016-01-01
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| Series: | Neural Plasticity |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/6808293 |
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| author | Steven L. Jones Tatyana M. Svitkina |
| author_facet | Steven L. Jones Tatyana M. Svitkina |
| author_sort | Steven L. Jones |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized structure in neurons that resides in between axonal and somatodendritic domains. The localization of the AIS in neurons is ideal for its two major functions: it serves as the site of action potential firing and helps to maintain neuron polarity. It has become increasingly clear that the AIS cytoskeleton is fundamental to AIS functions. In this review, we discuss current understanding of the AIS cytoskeleton with particular interest in its unique architecture and role in maintenance of neuron polarity. The AIS cytoskeleton is divided into two parts, submembrane and cytoplasmic, based on localization, function, and molecular composition. Recent studies using electron and subdiffraction fluorescence microscopy indicate that submembrane cytoskeletal components (ankyrin G, βIV-spectrin, and actin filaments) form a sophisticated network in the AIS that is conceptually similar to the polygonal/triangular network of erythrocytes, with some important differences. Components of the AIS cytoplasmic cytoskeleton (microtubules, actin filaments, and neurofilaments) reside deeper within the AIS shaft and display structural features distinct from other neuronal domains. We discuss how the AIS submembrane and cytoplasmic cytoskeletons contribute to different aspects of AIS polarity function and highlight recent advances in understanding their AIS cytoskeletal assembly and stability. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e5181c02da9145ffa96ddf4b6bf0f65c |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2090-5904 1687-5443 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2016-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
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| series | Neural Plasticity |
| spelling | doaj-art-e5181c02da9145ffa96ddf4b6bf0f65c2025-08-20T02:21:18ZengWileyNeural Plasticity2090-59041687-54432016-01-01201610.1155/2016/68082936808293Axon Initial Segment Cytoskeleton: Architecture, Development, and Role in Neuron PolaritySteven L. Jones0Tatyana M. Svitkina1Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USADepartment of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAThe axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized structure in neurons that resides in between axonal and somatodendritic domains. The localization of the AIS in neurons is ideal for its two major functions: it serves as the site of action potential firing and helps to maintain neuron polarity. It has become increasingly clear that the AIS cytoskeleton is fundamental to AIS functions. In this review, we discuss current understanding of the AIS cytoskeleton with particular interest in its unique architecture and role in maintenance of neuron polarity. The AIS cytoskeleton is divided into two parts, submembrane and cytoplasmic, based on localization, function, and molecular composition. Recent studies using electron and subdiffraction fluorescence microscopy indicate that submembrane cytoskeletal components (ankyrin G, βIV-spectrin, and actin filaments) form a sophisticated network in the AIS that is conceptually similar to the polygonal/triangular network of erythrocytes, with some important differences. Components of the AIS cytoplasmic cytoskeleton (microtubules, actin filaments, and neurofilaments) reside deeper within the AIS shaft and display structural features distinct from other neuronal domains. We discuss how the AIS submembrane and cytoplasmic cytoskeletons contribute to different aspects of AIS polarity function and highlight recent advances in understanding their AIS cytoskeletal assembly and stability.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/6808293 |
| spellingShingle | Steven L. Jones Tatyana M. Svitkina Axon Initial Segment Cytoskeleton: Architecture, Development, and Role in Neuron Polarity Neural Plasticity |
| title | Axon Initial Segment Cytoskeleton: Architecture, Development, and Role in Neuron Polarity |
| title_full | Axon Initial Segment Cytoskeleton: Architecture, Development, and Role in Neuron Polarity |
| title_fullStr | Axon Initial Segment Cytoskeleton: Architecture, Development, and Role in Neuron Polarity |
| title_full_unstemmed | Axon Initial Segment Cytoskeleton: Architecture, Development, and Role in Neuron Polarity |
| title_short | Axon Initial Segment Cytoskeleton: Architecture, Development, and Role in Neuron Polarity |
| title_sort | axon initial segment cytoskeleton architecture development and role in neuron polarity |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/6808293 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT stevenljones axoninitialsegmentcytoskeletonarchitecturedevelopmentandroleinneuronpolarity AT tatyanamsvitkina axoninitialsegmentcytoskeletonarchitecturedevelopmentandroleinneuronpolarity |