Myosin Transport and Neuronal Function

Myosin-dependent transport in neurons contributes to growth and plasticity. Polarized delivery or retrieval of components (including synthetic machinery) from actin-rich cytoplasmic domains that include but are not limited to dendritic spines and presynaptic terminals is partially myosin dependent. Myosins also directly participate in receptor or vesicle recycling in these compartments through transport functions associated with both exocytosis and endocytosis. Transport between dendrites or axons and spines or presynaptic terminals requires switching between microtubule and actin filament tracks and also the engagement of different motor proteins. However, recycling within these compartments is independent of microtubules and depends only on myosin transport.