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Insight into the genetic control of transport of cellular proteins and structures along nerves

10 April 2020

Shuttle Block

Electrical impulses course down our neurons, passing coded messages to and from our brain. Yet alongside these electrical waves, other important cargoes are bustling along the neuron fibres, known as axons. Proteins (like those highlighted in red in these axons) and structures within the neuron’s cell body, the organelles like mitochondria, often shuttle along the axon to where there they’re needed, a bit like commuters travelling on the tube. Other structures called signalling endosomes, bring chemical 'reports' back to the cell body, helping it to develop and survive. Scientists recently discovered a genetic mutation which affects this axonal transport by interfering with RNA processing (a vital step in forming new proteins), potentially leading to cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as motor neuron disease. This insight might help future treatments to restore healthy traffic to damaged neurons.

There is more on axonal transport from the scientist who provided the video on Frontiers for Young Minds here

Written by John Ankers

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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