Synapsins also modulate neuronal development such as establishment of neuronal polarity, neurite elongation and synapse formation [ 14, 12- 18].
Lines of evidence suggest that ECM proteins modulate neuronal development and plastic changes.
Since TC007490/D2R RNAi beetles died during the larval stage, TC007490/D2R might be playing a critical role in the growth and development of larvae perhaps by modulating neuronal development and locomotor activity as reported in D. melanogaster.
In cell culture expression systems TRPC4 and 5 channels function to modulate cellular excitability, neuronal growth and axon guidance, and regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis [4], [2], [10],[10].
NGF supports neuronal growth, differentiation, and modulates neuroplasticity [ 12].
Astrocytes can mediate neurovascular coupling, modulate neuronal excitability, and promote synaptic maturation and remodeling.
BDNF plays a critical role during neuronal development and is able to modulate neuronal signaling in adult offspring of rat dams that were stressed during gestation.
Gene expression profile, RT-PCR and protein microarray studies in the hippocampus and whole brain of wild-type and fat-1 transgenic mice revealed that genes and proteins concerned with inflammation, apoptosis, neurotransmission, and neuronal growth and synapse formation are specifically modulated in fat-1 mice.
In brain neurons, microtubules are the structural scaffolding, organizing movement, transport, neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity.
Talin was also proposed to modulate filopodial motility and may couple both extension and retraction to actin dynamics in the neuronal growth cone while vinculin influences the structural integrity of filopodia [ 161].
