Recognition of cell types by axonal growth cones in vitro (original) (raw)

Nature volume 288, pages 162–164 (1980)Cite this article

Abstract

One of the most intriguing problems in neuroembryology is that of how growing axons find the correct way to their proper target cells. Several pathfinding mechanisms have been envisaged, including mechanical guidance through channels, guidance by diffusible substances and guidance by non-diffusible chemical cues expressed on cell surfaces and sensed by axonal growth cones. Here we describe experiments in which axons growing out from retinal expiants are given the choice between two cell monolayers consisting of either retinal or tectal cells and we find that they grow preferentially over the surface covered with tectal cells. This preferential adhesion between retinal growth cones and cells originating from the in vivo target seems to be a property specific to the growth cone. In contrast, sorting experiments indicate that the perikarya of retinal cells adhere preferentially to retinal rather than tectal cells. It is likely that this adhesive property is due to recognition of cues expressed on the cell surfaces.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Virusforschung, Abteilung Physikalische Biologie, Tübingen, FRG
    Friedrich Bonhoeffer & Julita Huf

Authors

  1. Friedrich Bonhoeffer
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  2. Julita Huf
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Bonhoeffer, F., Huf, J. Recognition of cell types by axonal growth cones in vitro.Nature 288, 162–164 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/288162a0

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