Abstract

The formation of axons and dendrites and maintenance of the neuron's vastly expanded surface require the continuous addition of new membrane. This is achieved by membrane synthesis through the secretory pathway followed by regulated vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane, typically in the distal neurite. However, it is far from simple: multiple distinct membrane carriers are used to target specific membrane domains, dendrites seem to operate semi-autonomously from the rest of the neuron, and exocytosis for membrane expansion is different from that for release of synaptic vesicles. Current knowledge of this process and its implications for neuronal development, function and repair are reviewed.

Author affiliations

1. University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Pediatrics and IDDRC, RC-1 North, Room 4130, PO Box 6511, Mail Stop 8313, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.

Correspondence to: Email: Karl.Pfenninger@UCDenver.edu

Published online 4 March 2009

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