Small domain, large consequences: The axon initial segment as a key player in neuronal excitability

TY - JOUR

T1 - Small domain, large consequences

T2 - The axon initial segment as a key player in neuronal excitability

AU - Engelhardt, Maren

AU - Jamann, Nora

AU - Wefelmeyer, Winnie

PY - 2018/1/1

Y1 - 2018/1/1

N2 - The axon initial segment (AIS) is a crucial axonal domain for neuronal function - it allows neurons to generate action potentials, maintain their polarity or modulate their own excitability, thereby adapting to sudden and more long-term changes in network state. Although the AIS has been a well-described structure in neurons with work dating back to the 1960s, its fundamental role in neuronal function has only really been appreciated in the last decade. It is therefore no surprise that the AIS now also emerges as a hub for the onset of various pathophysiological conditions. In this review, we will focus on AIS development, function, and plasticity in the context of neuronal network activity and will highlight recent results that indicate a role for the AIS in the regulation and fine-tuning of input-output relations in single neurons.

AB - The axon initial segment (AIS) is a crucial axonal domain for neuronal function - it allows neurons to generate action potentials, maintain their polarity or modulate their own excitability, thereby adapting to sudden and more long-term changes in network state. Although the AIS has been a well-described structure in neurons with work dating back to the 1960s, its fundamental role in neuronal function has only really been appreciated in the last decade. It is therefore no surprise that the AIS now also emerges as a hub for the onset of various pathophysiological conditions. In this review, we will focus on AIS development, function, and plasticity in the context of neuronal network activity and will highlight recent results that indicate a role for the AIS in the regulation and fine-tuning of input-output relations in single neurons.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85059450989&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1515/nf-2018-0023

DO - 10.1515/nf-2018-0023

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85059450989

SN - 0947-0875

JO - Neuroforum

JF - Neuroforum

ER -