Int. J. Dev. Biol. 46: 621 - 631 (2002)

Vol 46, Issue 4

Special Issue: Developmental Biology in Australia and New Zealand

Axon guidance receptors direct growth cone pathfinding: rivalry at the leading edge

Published: 1 July 2002

Helen M Cooper

Development and Neurobiology Unit, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Post Office Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia. cooper@wehi.edu.au

Abstract

One of the earliest steps in the development of the central and peripheral nervous systems is the initiation of axon outgrowth from newly born neurons. Nascent axons then navigate towards their specific targets to establish the intricate network of axon projections found within the mature central nervous system. In doing so, the projecting axons must continually reassess their spatial environment and accurately select the correct pathways among the maze of possible routes. A variety of molecular navigational systems governing axon pathfinding have now been identified. Understanding how these individual molecular guidance systems operate at the level of a single axon, and, how these different systems work in concert to initiate and steer axonal migration is a major goal in developmental neurobiology.