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Specifying axon identity with Syd-1

Nature Neuroscience volume 5, pages 1107–1108 (2002)Cite this article

A molecule that may be important for sorting presynaptic components into the developing axon is now revealed by a study using the genetic tools available in C. elegans.

Neurons often extend multiple processes, but usually only one becomes the axon whereas the others become dendrites. How one process is chosen to become the axon is largely unknown. In this issue, Hallam et al. characterize a molecule that may be important in keeping axons and dendrites distinct1.

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Figure 1: Each VD neuron extends a single process that is spatially segregated into dendritic and axonal branches in wild-type worms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue 68-230B, Cambridge, 02139, Massachusetts, USA

    Jessica L. Whited & Paul A. Garrity

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  1. Jessica L. Whited
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  2. Paul A. Garrity
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Whited, J., Garrity, P. Specifying axon identity with Syd-1. Nat Neurosci 5, 1107–1108 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1102-1107

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