retrograde neuronal dense core vesicle transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of neuronal dense core vesicles along axonal microtubules towards the cell body. [GOC:kmv, PMID:23358451, PMID:24762653]

Retrograde neuronal dense core vesicle transport is a complex and essential process that involves the movement of vesicles containing neurotransmitters and other cargo from the axon terminal back to the cell body. This movement is crucial for maintaining neuronal function and plasticity.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. **Vesicle Formation:** Dense core vesicles (DCVs) are formed in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) of the cell body. They bud off from the TGN membrane and are filled with various cargo, including neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and enzymes.

2. **Axonal Transport:** DCVs are transported down the axon to the nerve terminal using motor proteins associated with microtubules. This anterograde transport is typically driven by kinesin motors.

3. **Release at the Synapse:** At the nerve terminal, DCVs dock and fuse with the plasma membrane, releasing their contents into the synaptic cleft. This exocytosis is triggered by calcium influx upon neuronal stimulation.

4. **Retrieval of Vesicle Components:** After release, the vesicle membrane components are recycled back into the nerve terminal. This includes proteins like synaptotagmin and SNAREs, which are critical for vesicle fusion.

5. **Retrograde Transport Initiation:** The remaining DCVs, now empty and potentially slightly altered, initiate their retrograde journey back to the cell body. This movement is driven by the dynein motor protein, which moves along microtubules in the opposite direction of kinesin.

6. **Signal Transduction and Sorting:** As the DCVs travel back to the cell body, they can interact with various signaling pathways and proteins. They also undergo sorting and processing. Some vesicles may be targeted for degradation, while others may be recycled and refilled with new cargo.

7. **Delivery to the Cell Body:** DCVs reach the cell body, where they undergo further sorting and processing. The cargo they contain can be used to synthesize new proteins, modify cellular function, or be further transported to other cellular compartments.

The retrograde transport of DCVs is critical for several reasons:

- **Maintaining Neuronal Function:** By recycling vesicle components and delivering neurotransmitters back to the cell body, retrograde transport ensures the continued function of the synapse.

- **Signaling and Plasticity:** Retrograde transport is involved in signaling pathways that regulate neuronal activity and plasticity. For example, the transport of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) from the nerve terminal to the cell body plays a role in neuronal survival and growth.

- **Cellular Homeostasis:** By removing damaged or worn-out vesicle components from the synapse, retrograde transport contributes to cellular homeostasis.

This intricate process is tightly regulated by various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms, ensuring efficient and accurate delivery of cargo from the synapse back to the cell body. It is a crucial process for neuronal function, plasticity, and overall health.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (5)