Abstract
Understanding the signals that guide neuronal development and direct formation of axons, dendrites, and synapses during wiring of the brain is a fundamental challenge in developmental neuroscience. Discovery of how local signals shape developing neurons has been impeded by the inability of conventional culture methods to interrogate microenvironments of complex neuronal cytoarchitectures, where different subdomains encounter distinct chemical, physical, and fluidic features. Microfabrication techniques are facilitating the creation of microenvironments tailored to neuronal structures and subdomains with unprecedented access and control. The design, fabrication, and properties of microfluidic devices offer significant advantages for addressing unresolved issues of neuronal development. These high-resolution approaches are poised to contribute new insights into mechanisms for restoring neuronal function and connectivity compromised by injury, stress, and neurodegeneration.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 752-761 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Trends in Neurosciences |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 1 2012 |
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Keywords
- Axon guidance
- Dendrite
- Developmental neuroscience
- Microfluidic devices
- Neuronal polarity
- Synapse
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)
Cite this
New perspectives on neuronal development via microfluidic environments. / Millet, Larry J.; Gillette, Martha U.
In: Trends in Neurosciences, Vol. 35, No. 12, 01.12.2012, p. 752-761.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - New perspectives on neuronal development via microfluidic environments
AU - Millet, Larry J.
AU - Gillette, Martha U.
PY - 2012/12/1
Y1 - 2012/12/1
N2 - Understanding the signals that guide neuronal development and direct formation of axons, dendrites, and synapses during wiring of the brain is a fundamental challenge in developmental neuroscience. Discovery of how local signals shape developing neurons has been impeded by the inability of conventional culture methods to interrogate microenvironments of complex neuronal cytoarchitectures, where different subdomains encounter distinct chemical, physical, and fluidic features. Microfabrication techniques are facilitating the creation of microenvironments tailored to neuronal structures and subdomains with unprecedented access and control. The design, fabrication, and properties of microfluidic devices offer significant advantages for addressing unresolved issues of neuronal development. These high-resolution approaches are poised to contribute new insights into mechanisms for restoring neuronal function and connectivity compromised by injury, stress, and neurodegeneration.
AB - Understanding the signals that guide neuronal development and direct formation of axons, dendrites, and synapses during wiring of the brain is a fundamental challenge in developmental neuroscience. Discovery of how local signals shape developing neurons has been impeded by the inability of conventional culture methods to interrogate microenvironments of complex neuronal cytoarchitectures, where different subdomains encounter distinct chemical, physical, and fluidic features. Microfabrication techniques are facilitating the creation of microenvironments tailored to neuronal structures and subdomains with unprecedented access and control. The design, fabrication, and properties of microfluidic devices offer significant advantages for addressing unresolved issues of neuronal development. These high-resolution approaches are poised to contribute new insights into mechanisms for restoring neuronal function and connectivity compromised by injury, stress, and neurodegeneration.
KW - Axon guidance
KW - Dendrite
KW - Developmental neuroscience
KW - Microfluidic devices
KW - Neuronal polarity
KW - Synapse
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84869873458&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84869873458&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.tins.2012.09.001
DO - 10.1016/j.tins.2012.09.001
M3 - Review article
C2 - 23031246
AN - SCOPUS:84869873458
VL - 35
SP - 752
EP - 761
JO - Trends in Neurosciences
JF - Trends in Neurosciences
SN - 0378-5912
IS - 12
ER -