Integrating Cytoskeletal Systems in Neurons and Glia: Dynamic Orchestration of Structure and Function

Neurons and glia form the circuitry of our nervous system, allowing nerve cells to communicate with each other and other cell types throughout the body in a highly specific manner to integrate sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. The ability of these cells to do this is profoundly dependent on an elaborate and dynamic cytoskeleton which allows these cells to adopt complex shapes and specialized structures such as myelin sheaths, the blood-brain barrier, axonal growth cones, dendritic spines, nodes of Ranvier, synapses, and elaborate sensory organs. The cytoskeleton is also critical for morphogenetic movements, the migration of neuronal precursors, and axon growth, which together establish the organization and wiring pattern of the central and peripheral nervous system during development. This review provides a primer on our current understanding of the cytoskeleton of neurons and glia, with an emphasis on how the protein polymers of the cytoskeleton-microtubules, actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and septins-work together to orchestrate the remarkable shapes and functions of these cells. We also highlight key questions and challenges for the field and technological advances that may help address them.