The membrane periodic skeleton is an actomyosin network that regulates axonal diameter and conduction.

Neurons have a membrane periodic skeleton (MPS) composed of actin rings interconnected by spectrin. Here, combining chemical and genetic gain- and loss-of-function assays, we show that in rat hippocampal neurons the MPS is an actomyosin network that controls axonal expansion and contraction. Using super-resolution microscopy, we analyzed the localization of axonal non-muscle myosin II (NMII).

Microfluidic-based platform to mimic the in vivo peripheral administration of neurotropic nanoparticles.

Aim: Propose a nanoparticle for neuron-targeted retrograde gene delivery and describe a microfluidic-based culture system to provide insight into vector performance and safety.

Methods: Using compartmentalized neuron cultures we dissected nanoparticle bioactivity upon delivery taking advantage of (quantitative) bioimaging tools.

Results: Targeted and nontargeted nanoparticles were internalized at axon terminals and retrogradely transported to cell bodies at similar average velocities but the former have shown an axonal flux 2.

In vivo targeted gene delivery to peripheral neurons mediated by neurotropic poly(ethylene imine)-based nanoparticles.

A major challenge in neuronal gene therapy is to achieve safe, efficient, and minimally invasive transgene delivery to neurons. In this study, we report the use of a nonviral neurotropic poly(ethylene imine)-based nanoparticle that is capable of mediating neuron-specific transfection upon a subcutaneous injection. Nanoparticles were targeted to peripheral neurons by using the nontoxic carboxylic fragment of tetanus toxin (HC), which, besides being neurotropic, is capable of being retrogradely transported from neuron terminals to the cell bodies.