The third wave: Intermediate filaments in the maturing nervous system

• Published in: Molecular and cellular neuroscience Vol. 84; pp. 68 - 76
• Main Authors: Kirkcaldie, Matthew T.K., Dwyer, Samuel T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.10.2017
• Subjects: Animals; Axons - metabolism; cytoskeleton; development; Humans; Intermediate Filament Proteins - metabolism; intermediate filaments; Intermediate Filaments - metabolism; myelin; Nerve Tissue Proteins - metabolism; Neurofilament Proteins - metabolism; Neurofilaments; Neurons - metabolism; plasticity; myelin; Neurofilaments; plasticity; development; cytoskeleton; intermediate filaments
• ISSN: 1044-7431; 1095-9327
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.05.010

Intermediate filaments are critical for the extreme structural specialisations of neurons, providing integrity in dynamic environments and efficient communication along axons a metre or more in length. As neurons mature, an initial expression of nestin and vimentin gives way to the neurofilament triplet proteins and α-internexin, substituted by peripherin in axons outside the CNS, which physically consolidate axons as they elongate and find their targets. Once connection is established, these proteins are transported, assembled, stabilised and modified, structurally transforming axons and dendrites as they acquire their full function. The interaction between these neurons and myelinating glial cells optimises the structure of axons for peak functional efficiency, a property retained across their lifespan. This finely calibrated structural regulation allows the nervous system to maintain timing precision and efficient control across large distances throughout somatic growth and, in maturity, as a plasticity mechanism allowing functional adaptation. •Intermediate filaments are essential in consolidating nervous system structure.•Their sequential expression throughout the nervous system accompanies functional maturation•Literature on the regional expression of neurofilaments in development is reviewed.•Neurofilaments enable the structural maturation and myelination of axons, as well as ongoing plasticity in adulthood.