Molecular regulation of axon termination in mechanosensory neurons

Desbois, Muriel; Grill, Brock

Abstract

Spatially and temporally accurate termination of axon outgrowth, a process called axon termination, is required for efficient, precise nervous system construction and wiring. The mechanosensory neurons that sense low-threshold mechanical stimulation or gentle touch have proven exceptionally valuable for studying axon termination over the past 40 years. In this Review, we discuss progress made in deciphering the molecular and genetic mechanisms that govern axon termination in touch receptor neurons. Findings across model organisms, including Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish and mice, have revealed that complex signaling is required for termination with conserved principles and players beginning to surface. A key emerging theme is that axon termination is mediated by complex signaling networks that include ubiquitin ligase signaling hubs, kinase cascades, transcription factors, guidance/adhesion receptors and growth factors. Here, we begin a discussion about how these signaling networks could represent termination codes that trigger cessation of axon outgrowth in different species and types of mechanosensory neurons.

Citation

Desbois, M., & Grill, B. (2024). Molecular regulation of axon termination in mechanosensory neurons. Development, 151(17), https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.202945

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 1, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 13, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 27, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 2, 2025
• Journal: Development
• Print ISSN: 0950-1991
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-9129
• Publisher: Company of Biologists
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 151
• Issue: 17
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.202945
• Keywords: Axon development, Axon growth, Axon outgrowth, Axon termination, Growth cone
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/921156
• Publisher URL: https://journals.biologists.com/dev/article-abstract/151/17/dev202945/362049/Molecular-regulation-of-axon-termination-in?redirectedFrom=fulltext