| Neuronal differentiation is under the tight control of biochemical and physical information arising from micro-environment. Here, through a panel of poly-L-lysine micropatterns, we wished to assay how external geometrical constraints of neurons may modulate axonal polarization. Constraints applied to either the cell body or to the neurite directions revealed the existence of a differential mechanical tension between the nascent axon and other neurites. Also, we show that centrosome location is not predictive of axonal polarization but responds to the force exerted by the nascent axon. Using curved trajectories for neurite growth inhibited axonal differentiation and prevented formation of multiple axons normally induced by cytochalasin or taxol treatments.... |
