Dynamic peripheral traction forces balance stable neurite tension in regenerating Aplysia bag cell neurons.

ABSTRACT: Growth cones of elongating neurites exert force against the external environment, but little is known about the role of force in outgrowth or its relationship to the mechanical organization of neurons. We used traction force microscopy to examine patterns of force in growth cones of regenerating Aplysia bag cell neurons. We find that traction is highest in the peripheral actin-rich domain and internal stress reaches a plateau near the transition between peripheral and central microtubule-rich domains. Integrating stress over the area of the growth cone reveals that total scalar force increases with area but net tension on the neurite does not. Tensions fall within a limited range while a substantial fraction of the total force can be balanced locally within the growth cone. Although tracti

SUBMITTER: Hyland C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4019958 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature