During organismal development, growth cones at the axonal ends of neurons navigate a three dimensional maize of paths and obstacles to form the complex network of the nervous system. The cytoskeletal mechanics underpinning growth cone movements are largely unknown. Here, we will employ cultured neurons on structured surfaces to test the motion of growth cones encountering obstacles and choosing different paths. We will image cell movement through artificial maizes and correlate it with the dynamics of the intracellular actin-filament and microtubule network, with a special emphasis on the the positions and dynamics of key filament crosslinkers. This approach will allow us to determine how the cytoskeletal network drives pathfinding in response to spatial confinement of the environment.
- zadáno a potvrzeno stud. odd.