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Neurobiology of Actin pp 7–22Cite as

The Neuronal Actin Cytoskeleton and the Protrusion of Lamellipodia and Filopodia

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Part of the book series: Advances in Neurobiology ((NEUROBIOL,volume 5))

Abstract

The protrusion of filopodia and lamellipodia from the surface of neurons is fundamental to axon extension, guidance, the formation of axon branches, and synaptic structures. Protrusion is driven by the polymerization and controlled organization of actin filament arrays. This chapter provides an overview of the basic mechanisms operative during protrusion. Mechanisms underlying the suppression of protrusive activity are also discussed in relation to the regulation of axonal morphology. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with an understanding of the major concepts underlying the regulation of actin filaments in protrusion without delving deeply into the molecular mechanisms, which are discussed in other chapters of this volume. Focus is placed on the organization of actin filaments in protrusive structures and how the organization relates to the process of protrusion.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by a grant to GG (NIH NS048090).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA

    Gianluca Gallo

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  1. Gianluca Gallo
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Correspondence to Gianluca Gallo .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Dept Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, 19129, Pennsylvania, USA

    Gianluca Gallo

  2. 4-140 MCB, Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St., Minneapolis, 55455, Minnesota, USA

    Lorene M. Lanier

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Gallo, G. (2011). The Neuronal Actin Cytoskeleton and the Protrusion of Lamellipodia and Filopodia. In: Gallo, G., Lanier, L. (eds) Neurobiology of Actin. Advances in Neurobiology, vol 5. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7368-9_2

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