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Organizational Dynamics, Functions, and Pathobiological Dysfunctions of Neurofilaments

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Cell Biology of the Axon

Part of the book series: Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation ((RESULTS,volume 48))

Abstract

Neurofilament phosphorylation has long been considered to regulate their axonal transport rate, and in doing so it provides stability to mature axons. We evaluate the collective evidence to date regarding how neurofilament C-terminal phosphorylation may regulate axonal transport. We present a few suggestions for further experimentation in this area, and expand upon previous models for axonal NF dynamics. We present evidence that the NFs that display extended residence along axons are critically dependent upon the surrounding microtubules, and that simultaneous interaction with multiple microtubule motors provides the architectural force that regulates their distribution. Finally, we address how C-terminal phosphorylation is regionally and temporally regulated by a balance of kinase and phosphatase activities, and how misregulation of this balance might contribute to motor neuron disease.

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Acknowledgments

This review was supported by the National Science Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Biological Sciences and Biochemistry, Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, England

    Thomas B. Shea, Walter K.-H. Chan, Jacob Kushkuley & Sangmook Lee

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  1. Thomas B. Shea
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  2. Walter K.-H. Chan
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  3. Jacob Kushkuley
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  4. Sangmook Lee
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Correspondence to Thomas B. Shea .

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  1. Summer Hill Lane 70, Williamsville, 14221, U.S.A.

    Edward Koenig

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Shea, T.B., Chan, W.KH., Kushkuley, J., Lee, S. (2009). Organizational Dynamics, Functions, and Pathobiological Dysfunctions of Neurofilaments. In: Koenig, E. (eds) Cell Biology of the Axon. Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation, vol 48. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/400_2009_8

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