The researchers have uncovered a mechanism that determines why a neuron usually forms a single, long extension called “axon” – a phenomenon that is fundamental to how our brain functions. Contrary to the common view that external cues drive axon formation, the team of scientists comes to the conclusion that its growth originates primarily inside the cell. Their work, based on cell cultures and was published in the journal “Nature” reveals how a neuron’s structure is remodeled to generate the axon.

Neurons in the brain and spinal cord form a vast network in which each cell receives many inputs but sends output through only a single, long extension: the “axon”. “If our neurons had multiple axons, this would cause chaos in the brain,” says the senior author. “Nature has therefore found a clever way to make sure that neurons generate only one axon. This applies not only to humans, but across the entire animal kingdom. So, we’re dealing with very fundamental processes that shape the wiring of the brain and nervous system.”