retrograde axonal transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of organelles or molecules along microtubules from the cell periphery toward the cell body in nerve cell axons. [ISBN:0815316194]

Retrograde axonal transport is a crucial process in the nervous system, responsible for moving materials from the axon terminal back to the cell body of a neuron. This movement is essential for a variety of cellular functions, including:

- **Delivery of signaling molecules and trophic factors:** These substances are produced in the axon terminal and transported back to the cell body, where they can influence gene expression and other cellular processes.
- **Recycling of cellular components:** Components of the axon terminal, such as vesicles and proteins, are transported back to the cell body for reuse or degradation.
- **Signal transduction:** Retrograde transport can carry signals from the axon terminal to the cell body, indicating the activity of the neuron and influencing its function.

The mechanism of retrograde axonal transport involves motor proteins, primarily dynein, which move along microtubules, the cytoskeletal structures that run the length of the axon. Dynein binds to cargo, such as vesicles, mitochondria, or other organelles, and uses the energy from ATP hydrolysis to move along the microtubule in a retrograde direction, towards the cell body.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. **Cargo packaging:** Vesicles and other cargo destined for retrograde transport are packaged in the axon terminal.
2. **Dynein binding:** Dynein, a motor protein, binds to the cargo.
3. **Microtubule attachment:** Dynein then binds to microtubules, the "tracks" that guide the transport along the axon.
4. **Movement:** Dynein, using ATP as fuel, walks along the microtubule toward the minus end, which is located at the cell body.
5. **Delivery to the cell body:** The cargo is delivered to the cell body, where it can be sorted, used, or recycled.

Retrograde axonal transport is a highly regulated process, influenced by factors like neuronal activity, signaling molecules, and the type of cargo being transported. Dysregulation of retrograde transport has been implicated in various neurological diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.'
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