The axonal radial contractility: Structural basis underlying a new form of neural plasticity

Axons are the longest cellular structure reaching over a meter in the case of human motor axons. They have a relatively small diameter and contain several cytoskeletal elements that mediate both material and information exchange within neurons. Recently, a novel type of axonal plasticity, termed axo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BioEssays 2021-08, Vol.43 (8), p.e2100033-n/a
Main Authors: Pan, Xiaorong, Zhou, Yimin, Hotulainen, Pirta, Meunier, Frédéric A., Wang, Tong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actomyosin
Axon
axon degeneration
Axonal plasticity
Axons
Cellular structure
Cytoskeleton
Degeneration
membrane‐associated periodic cytoskeletal structure
Motor neurons
Motor task performance
Muscle contraction
Muscles
Myosin
neuronal degeneration
Neuroplasticity
nonmuscle myosin II
Organelles
periodic functional nanodomains
Plastic foam
radial contratility
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Summary:Axons are the longest cellular structure reaching over a meter in the case of human motor axons. They have a relatively small diameter and contain several cytoskeletal elements that mediate both material and information exchange within neurons. Recently, a novel type of axonal plasticity, termed axonal radial contractility, has been unveiled. It is represented by dynamic and transient diameter changes of the axon shaft to accommodate the passages of large organelles. Mechanisms underpinning this plasticity are not fully understood. Here, we first summarised recent evidence of the functional relevance for axon radial contractility, then discussed the underlying structural basis, reviewing nanoscopic evidence of the subtle changes. Two models are proposed to explain how actomyosin rings are organised. Possible roles of non‐muscle myosin II (NM‐II) in axon degeneration are discussed. Finally, we discuss the concept of periodic functional nanodomains, which could sense extracellular cues and coordinate the axonal responses. Also see the video here: https://youtu.be/ojCnrJ8RCRc Axonal radial contractility is critical for both the plasticity and structural stability of the long extending neuronal axon. Two hypothesised models underlying axonal radial contractility is proposed here, in which the diameters of the periodic actin rings are controlled by the activity of non‐muscle myosin II (NM‐II) motors.
ISSN:0265-9247
1521-1878
DOI:10.1002/bies.202100033