Microtubule Polymerization and Cross-Link Dynamics Explain Axonal Stiffness and Damage.

ABSTRACT: Axonal damage is a critical indicator for traumatic effects of physical impact to the brain. However, the precise mechanisms of axonal damage are still unclear. Here, we establish a mechanistic and highly dynamic model of the axon to explore the evolution of damage in response to physical forces. Our axon model consists of a bundle of dynamically polymerizing and depolymerizing microtubules connected by dynamically detaching and reattaching cross-links. Although the probability of cross-link attachment depends exclusively on thermal fluctuations, the probability of detachment increases in the presence of physical forces. We systematically probe the landscape of axonal stretch and stretch rate and characterize the overall axonal force, stiffness, and damage as a direct result of the interpl

SUBMITTER: de Rooij R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5773766 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature