Abstract
Neurons are highly polarized cells that form distinct axonal and somatodendritic compartments. The establishment of this neuronal polarity, i.e., the specification of an axon and multiple dendrites, is essential for the normal structure and function of the nervous system. During embryonic development, proliferation, asymmetric division, and migration transform a single layer of highly polarized neuronal precursors into a structure with six distinct layers that is characteristic for the mammalian neocortex. The neuronal progenitor cells in the ventricular zone of the brain serve as the major source of pyramidal neurons in the telencephalon. Postmitotic neurons become polarized during their migration from the ventricular zone to the cortical plate by extending a leading process and a trailing axon. However, neuronal development is difficult to analyze in situ and requires advanced microscopy setups for imaging. Therefore, cultures of dissociated neurons have been instrumental in identifying the pathways that direct the establishment of neuronal polarity. These cultures allow to observe neuronal differentiation in an accessible and homogeneous environment with reduced complexity. In this chapter, we will discuss factors required for the establishment of neuronal polarity that were identified using cultured neurons and the extent to which their physiological function has been confirmed by the analysis of knockout mice.
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Shah, B., Tobon, A.L., Püschel, A.W. (2015). Neuronal Polarity. In: Ebnet, K. (eds) Cell Polarity 1. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14463-4_6
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