Caliber of sensory axons in vivo varies spatially and temporally and is influenced by the cellular microenvironment
2024
How Axon Size Changes in Zebrafish Neurons
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Ching Kaitlin, Sagasti Alvaro
Primary Institution: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Hypothesis
Axon caliber varies spatially and temporally and is influenced by the cellular microenvironment.
Conclusion
Axon caliber is dynamic and can vary significantly within the same neuron, influenced by nearby cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Axon segments showed varicose or 'pearled' morphologies, indicating variation in caliber.
- Caliber was found to be dynamic on the time-scale of minutes.
- Caliber variation was observed to be influenced by the cellular microenvironment.
Takeaway
The size of nerve fibers can change in different parts of the same neuron and can be affected by nearby cells, which helps neurons send messages faster.
Methodology
Sparse membrane labeling paired with super-resolution microscopy was used to measure axon caliber in live zebrafish.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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