Nanotopographic control of actin waves and growth cone navigation in developing neurons.

ABSTRACT: The development of axons and dendrites (neurites) in a neural circuit relies on the dynamic interplay of cytoskeletal components, especially actin, and the integration of diverse environmental cues. Building on prior findings that actin dynamics can serve as a primary sensor of physical guidance cues, this work investigates the role of nanotopography in modulating and guiding actin waves and neurite-tip dynamics during early neural circuit development. Although actin dynamics is well known to contribute to pathfinding in wide axonal tips, typically referred to as growth cones, we also observe dynamic actin remodeling throughout neurites and at other, narrower, neurite tips. We find that actin-wave speeds do not change significantly in the first 2 weeks of neurite development on flat substr

SUBMITTER: Pathak S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12457675 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature