Scientists reveal new survival mechanism for neurons
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 - 07:00
in Biology & Nature
(Medical Xpress) -- Nerve cells that regulate everything from heart muscle to salivary glands send out projections known as axons to their targets. By way of these axonal processes, neurons control target function and receive molecular signals from targets that return to the cell body to support cell survival. Now, Johns Hopkins researchers have revealed a molecular mechanism that allows a signal from the target to return to the cell body and fulfill its neuron-sustaining mission.