Book chapter
Microtubules: Organization and Function in Neurons
Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, pp 871-878
2009
Abstract
Neurons are terminally differentiated cells that do not utilize their microtubules for the formation of mitotic spindles. Instead, microtubules serve as major architectural elements within axons and dendrites and also act as railways for the transport of organelles within these processes. Microtubules are regulated by a variety of proteins in neurons, including molecular motor proteins. Molecular motors transport organelles along the microtubule, but can also transport the microtubules themselves and organize them into regionally distinct patterns. Motor proteins and nonmotor microtubule-related proteins can influence the assembly properties of the microtubules and their interactions with various elements of the cytoplasm. Abnormalities of microtubule-related proteins can give rise to debilitating neuropathies.
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Details
- Title
- Microtubules: Organization and Function in Neurons
- Creators
- P.W. Baas - Drexel UniversityK.A. Myers - Drexel UniversityL. Qiang - Drexel UniversityV.C. Nadar - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, pp 871-878
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Neurobiology and Anatomy
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105000565108
- Other Identifier
- 991019173713104721