Traction on Immobilized Netrin-1 Is Sufficient to Reorient Axons
Simon W. Moore,
Nicolas Biais,
Michael P. Sheetz*
During embryonic development, axons are guided to their target
by patterning proteins encountered along their trajectory. These
cues can be linked to the cells that produce them or secreted
into the extracellular matrix. Whether secreted cues, like netrin-1,
provide traction for the growth cone when they become attached
to the extracellular matrix is unclear. Advancing spinal com-missural
neuron growth cones were shown to generate local forces of 4
to 15 piconewtons but, when confronted with immobilized netrin-1,
generated traction forces in excess of 63 piconew-tons on netrin-1
that can redirect the trajectory of the axon.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: ms2001{at}columbia.edu
