Neuromechanics: The Role of Tension in Neuronal Growth and Memory

Growing experimental evidence suggests that the mechanical micro-environment plays a role in growth and guidance of neurons. Recent studies have shown that mechanical tension plays a role in neuronal function, including neurotransmission and synaptic vesicle clustering. In this review, we discuss the role of mechanical tension in determining the structure and function of neurons and its implication in learning and memory. To interpret the mechanical behavior of neurons a simple mechanics model is proposed based on force generation by molecular motors on cytoskeletal elements. The review concludes by highlighting some unanswered questions in cellular neuromechanics.