Investigating Neuronal Shape Transformation Under Different Biochemical Perturbations

Pooja joshi

Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system. A neuronal cytoskeleton is composed of various interconnected and differently organized filament types. the cytoskeleton of neurons is the primary structure that regulates unique morphology, protein localization, and transport. This cytoskeleton structure consists of microfilaments, nintermediate filaments, and microtubules. These filaments play a central role in neuronal stability and function, and deterioration of their structure may underlie several neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons depend on the highly dynamic microtubule cytoskeleton for long-distance transport in axons and dendrites. When microtubules are disrupted, axons undergo abnormal shape transformations like beading (pearling instability) and retraction. We aim to deliver drugs targeting microtubule dynamics to specific regions of neurons and observe the consequent morphological changes using a microfluidic device. We have developed a microfluidic device (Coaxial microinjector), capable of confining fluid in the micrometre regime. By integrating microfluidics with cellular imaging techniques, this study aims to advance our understanding of the intricate relationship between microtubule dynamics and neuronal morphology.

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