Neurite Outgrowth
Neurite Outgrowth - Related Videos
03:52
Immunofluorescence Assay to Evaluate Effect of Target Proteins on Neurite Outgrowth
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2025
In this video, we demonstrate an EGFP-based immunofluorescence assay to identify the efficacy of target proteins on the neurite outgrowth of primary cortical neurons. The primary neurons are transfected with a fluorescent protein, EGFP, and a target protein, and then an immunoassay is performed to investigate the effect of the target protein on neurite outgrowth.
11:08
Dissection and Culture of Chick Statoacoustic Ganglion and Spinal Cord Explants in Collagen Gels for Neurite Outgrowth Assays
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Cited by 9 •
2011
We demonstrate how to dissect and culture chick E4 statoacoustic ganglion and E6 spinal cord explants. Explants are cultured under serum-free conditions in 3D collagen gels for 24 hours. Neurite responsiveness is tested with growth factor-supplemented medium and with protein-coated beads.
05:28
Standardization of a Novel Semi-Automatic Software for Neurite Outgrowth Measurement
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Cited by 1 •
2024
Neurite outgrowth assays provide a quantitative value about regenerative neuronal processes. The advantage of this semi-automatic software is that it segments cell bodies and neurites separately by creating a mask and measures various parameters such as neurite length, number of branch points, cell-body cluster area, and number of cell clusters.
08:02
An Enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein-based Assay for Studying Neurite Outgrowth in Primary Neurons
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Cited by 1 •
2019
In this report, we describe a simple protocol for studying neurite outgrowth in embryonic rat cortical neurons by co-transfecting with EGFP and the protein of interest.
08:06
A Co-Culture Method to Study Neurite Outgrowth in Response to Dental Pulp Paracrine Signals
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Cited by 5 •
2020
We describe the isolation, dispersion and plating of dental pulp (DP) primary cells with trigeminal (TG) neurons cultured atop overlying transwell filters. Cellular responses of DP cells can be analyzed with immunofluorescence or RNA/protein analysis. Immunofluorescence of neuronal markers with confocal microscopy permits the analysis of neurite outgrowth responses.
FAQs
Actin remodeling and microtubule assembly perform complementary roles during extension. Actin provides the dynamic structural changes needed for the growth cone to move and respond, while microtubules assemble to support the advancing projection. Their coordination allows membrane extension to become sustained neurite growth rather than an isolated change in cell shape.
The actin-rich growth cone acts as a sensing and movement region at the advancing end of a neurite. It detects extracellular guidance cues and translates those signals into localized cytoskeletal remodeling. This activity influences the direction of movement, so changes in neurite orientation can reveal how developing neurons respond to their surrounding environment.
These measurements capture different aspects of neuronal development. Length indicates how far a projection extends, branching reflects the complexity of its developing structure, and orientation shows its directional behavior. Considering the three features together provides a broader assessment of cellular responses than relying on a single measurement, particularly when comparing differentiation or guidance effects.
Extracellular guidance cues can influence the direction in which projections advance, whereas neurotrophic factors can alter the extent or pattern of neuronal development. Their effects may therefore appear as changes in neurite length, branching, or orientation. Measuring these features helps distinguish general growth responses from more specific changes in directional behavior or structural complexity.
A basic assay begins by examining cultured neurons during development and recording measurable projection features. Investigators quantify neurite length, branching, and orientation, then compare those outcomes across relevant experimental conditions. This workflow converts visible changes in neuronal structure into readouts that can characterize differentiation, connectivity-related development, or responses to applied factors.
Researchers use these assays when they need a cellular readout of neuronal development or repair-related responses. Applications include studying nervous system development, neurodegenerative disease, nerve injury, neurotrophic-factor activity, and potential therapeutics. Because the measurements describe structural changes in cultured neurons, they can help evaluate whether an experimental condition alters neuronal differentiation or growth.
Changes in neurite length, branching, or orientation can indicate how cultured neurons respond to a candidate treatment. A treatment may affect overall extension, structural complexity, or directional organization, and these outcomes can be assessed separately. This makes the assay useful for characterizing drug effects and examining whether an intervention produces cellular changes relevant to neuronal function or repair.