Axonal transport molecular mechanisms

Video microscopy allows study of molecular mechanisms through direct observation of organelle movements while precise control of experimental conditions is maintained. Fast axonal transport continues unabated in isolated axoplasm from giant axons of the squid Loligo pealeii for hours [14]. Video microscopy applied to isolated axoplasm permits a more rigorous dissection of the molecular mechanisms for fast axonal transport... 

Properties of slow transport suggest molecular mechanisms. Information about mechanisms of slow axonal transport is relatively limited. They are energy-dependent and require an intact axonal cytoskeleton. Indirect evidence suggests that MTs play a critical role, because transport of NFs can be pharmacologically uncoupled from MT transport without eliminating slow transport [33]. In contrast, all agents that disrupt MTs appear to block slow transport of all components. While this does not rule out a role for the MF cytoskeleton in slow transport movements, MTs appear to provide motive force for other elements of the cytoskeleton. 

Brady, S. T., Lasek, R. J. and Allen, R. D. Video microscopy of fast axonal transport in isolated axoplasm A new model for study of molecular mechanisms. Cell Motil. 5 81-101, 1985. 

The molecular mechanism associated with the pathogenesis of ALS still remains elusive, but oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, protein mis-folding, cytoskeletal abnormalities and defective axonal transport, excitotoxicity. 

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