Comparison of active transport in neuronal axons and dendrites

This paper presents a theoretical study, based on modified Smith–Simmons equations, that compares transport of intracellular organelles in two different neurite outgrowths, dendrites and axons. It is demonstrated that the difference in microtubule polarity orientations in dendrites and axons has significant implications on motor-assisted transport in these neurite outgrowths. The developed approach presents a qualitative theoretical basis for understanding important questions such as why axons exhibit almost an unlimited grows potential in vitro while dendrites remain relatively short. It is shown that the difference in a microtubule polarity arrangement between axons and dendrites may be a regulatory mechanism for limiting dendritic growth. Other biological implications of the developed theory as well as other possible reasons for the difference in microtubule structure between axons and dendrites are discussed.