Figure 4
From: Mathematical modelling and numerical simulation of the morphological development of neurons
Neurite branching. Construction and stability of the microtubule cytoskeleton may determine both elongation and branching rates. Microtubule bundles are cross-linked by microtubule-associated proteins, such as MAP2. Dephosphorylated MAP2 stabilises the bundles and promotes microtubule assembly, and hence elongation. Phosphorylated MAP2 loses its cross-linking ability, destabilising the bundles and thus increasing the likelihood of neurite branching.