PubMed · 8833441
Neuronal intermediate filaments.
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) are the most abundant structural components in large-diameter myelinated axons. Assembled as obligate heteropolymers requiring NF-L and substoichiometric amounts of NF-M and/or NF-H, NF investment into axons is essential for establishment of axonal caliber, itself a key determinant of conduction velocity. Use of transgenic mice to increase axonal accumulation of NFs or to express mutant NFs subunits has proven that aberrant organization or assembly of NFs is sufficient to cause disease arising from selective dysfunction and degeneration of motor neurons. Because aberrant accumulation of NFs is a common pathology in a series of motor neuron diseases-including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-NF misaccumulation, and the resultant disruption in axonal transport, is probably a key intermediate in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
M K Lee, D W Cleveland. 1996. Neuronal intermediate filaments.. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ne.19.030196.001155
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.