Description

During neuronal development neurons assume a polarized morphology projecting several neurites with indistinct properties, one of which will subsequently differentiate into an axon. As the neuron further develops axons elongate and navigate through intermediate regions, projecting to target tissues to establish synaptic contacts with the appropriate partners. These developmental steps rely on elaborate mechanisms some of which are unique to axons. In fact, axons have a distinctive set of features that span from a highly elaborated cytoskeleton to a distinctive molecular composition, which confers axons with specialized functions including axonal transport, action potential firing, and structural plasticity. Therefore, understanding the fundamental aspects of axonal biology is crucial to comprehend nervous system development and function. Recent studies show that axons can rapidly integrate and respond to local cues independently of the cell body, an additional and sophisticated level of regulation, but also an exciting opportunity to unravel the mysteries of axonal biology. This symposium will focus on new findings that elucidate the mechanisms regulating axonal differentiation, maturation and plasticity, towards a better understating of the complexities of axonal biology.