Michael Ehlers and his colleagues have reported in the Journal Neuron the mechanism by which the Golgi apparatus controls the growth of the dendrite cells that are responsible for the growth and development of neurons. The dendrite cells are the branches of neurons that are responsible for transmission and collection of signals to the brain from different parts of the body.
The Golgi body is present in the cell, which is responsible for synthesizing new molecules for performing different functions of the body. The researchers have found that Golgi bodies were present in the long dendrites, which helps in the growth of the dendrite.Professor Ehlers said, “ Different dendritic branches can have different functional properties, molecular composition and electrical properties. So, when a cargo reaches a branch point, it's like a highway intersection, and the cargo needs to be directed. We've found that these dendritic Golgi outposts are located at the strategic points to do just that. And I believe this is the first such specific organelle identified at a dendritic branch point positioned to perform this fundamental neuronal function." The Researchers feel that still a lot has to be explored to understand the mechanism of growth and control of neurons and on the mechanism of transfer of molecules for the growth of dendrites.
Source: Eurekalert.
