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

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Video by James Sleigh, UCL Institute of Neurology
• Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
• Video copyright held by James Sleigh
• Research published in Cell Reports, March 2020