Membrane Tension Controls Kinetics of Neuron Growth

Abstract eng:
In the first phase of axon growth, axons sprout from neuron bodies and are extended by the pull of the migrating growth cones towards their targets. Thereafter, a second phase of axon growth, called stretch growth, ensues as the mechanical forces from the growth of the animal induce rapid extension of the nerves. Here we propose a mathematical model for stretch growth of axon tracts in which the rate of production of proteins required for growth is dependent on the membrane tension. We show that there is a length dependent maximum stretching rate that an axon can sustain without disconnection, and that axon length is increased near the cell body. Our model also predicts that the diameter of an axon subjected to stretch growth must increase. Our results could inform better design of stretch growth protocols to create transplantable axon tracts to repair the nervous system.

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