CYTOSKELETONS OF CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL NEURONS

All eukaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton, consisting of microtubules, intermediate filaments and microfilaments. The cytoskeletal structure of cells and cell processes in the central nervous system is diverse. The generation of animal models in which specific mutations result in underexpression of overexpression of particular intermediate filament and microtubular proteins allows assessment of the possible role of cy toskeletal abnormalities in the neurodegenerative disorders. It is sug gested that overexpression of filaments is likely to be the more signi ficant process, but that neurofibrillary change, as recognized by the neuropathologist represents the final result of failure of any of a la rge number of molecular processes involved in cytoskeletal protein tur nover.