Neurons: The Interplay between Cytoskeleton, Ion Channels/Transporters and Mitochondria

Abstract

Neurons are permanent cells whose key feature is information transmission via chemical and electrical signals. Therefore, a finely tuned homeostasis is necessary to maintain function and preserve neuronal lifelong survival. The cytoskeleton, and in particular microtubules, are far from being inert actors in the maintenance of this complex cellular equilibrium, and they participate in the mobilization of molecular cargos and organelles, thus influencing neuronal migration, neuritis growth and synaptic transmission. Notably, alterations of cytoskeletal dynamics have been linked to alterations of neuronal excitability. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of the neuronal cytoskeleton and provide insights into alterations of this component leading to human diseases, addressing how these might affect excitability/synaptic activity, as well as neuronal functioning. We also provide an overview of the microscopic approaches to visualize and assess the cytoskeleton, with a specific focus on mitochondrial trafficking.

Keywords: axonal excitability; biomarkers; cytoskeleton; ion channels; transporters.

Figure 1

Mitochondrial trafficking with holotomographic microscopy. Each panel (panel (A–C)) enables us to follow different mitochondria at different time frames (time frame is stated in the upper left corner of each image). White arrows point out single mitochondria in each frame (images obtained with Nanolive holotomographic microscope).