Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00742

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png An intrinsic cytoskeletal oscillator establishes neuronal polarity.

Lin, T.-C. (First author)DZNE* ; Coles, C.DZNE* ; Alfadil, E.DZNE* ; Fäßler, F. ; Husch, A.DZNE* ; Dupraz, S.DZNE* ; Pietralla, T.DZNE* ; Narita, A. ; Schelski, M.DZNE* ; Flynn, K.DZNE* ; Stern, S.DZNE* ; Möhl, C.DZNE* ; Hilton, B. J. ; Vauti, F. ; Arnold, H.-H. ; Schur, F. K. M. ; Bradke, F. (Last author)DZNE*

2026
Nature Publ. Group London [u.a.]

This record in other databases:    

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10755-6

Abstract: Neurons acquire polarity by specifying one neurite as the axon, whereas the others become dendrites. But how this fundamental asymmetry is established remains unclear1. Neuronal polarization has been thought to rely primarily on growth cones that sense external cues2. Here we show that growth cones alone do not direct this process and that the soma acts as a central organizer of neuronal polarization. Using live imaging and genetic loss-of-function approaches in vivo, combined with optogenetic control and local cytoskeletal perturbations in cultured neurons, we uncover a soma-initiated oscillatory program that primes axon selection. Periodic actin branching that depends on the actin-related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) complex at the soma remodels a global actomyosin network, thereby generating an actin wave that retracts neurites before propagating into a single neurite tip. Exposure to this wave relaxes local actomyosin contractility, which drives a transient microtubule-based protrusion and biases this neurite towards axon fate. As the cell exits this oscillatory stage, this neurite can overcome global inhibition and extend independently of ARP2/3, whereas actomyosin activity suppresses axon formation in the remaining neurites so that they subsequently become dendrites. This soma-driven mechanism ensures the emergence of a single axon independent of environmental cues and underpins the unidirectional information flow in neuronal circuits.

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Axon Growth and Regeneration (AG Bradke)
2. Core Research Facilities & Services (CRFS)
3. Image and Data Analysis (CRFS-IDAF) (IDAF)

Research Program(s):

1. 351 - Brain Function (POF4-351) (POF4-351)
2. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Experiment(s):

1. Image and Data Analysis Facility (CRFS-IDAF) / Bonn

---

Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Chemical Reactions ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Agriculture, Biology and Environmental Sciences ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DEAL Nature ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 60 ; Index Chemicus ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection ; Zoological Record

---