Figure 1 - Intermediate Filaments as a Target of Signaling Mechanisms in Neurotoxicity

Distribution of cytoskeletal constituents into neurons. Neuronal cytoskeleton is composed by microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. The microtubules are nucleated at the centrosome, then released and delivered to either the dendrites or the axon. Neurofilaments are abundant in axons and the spacing of neurofilaments is sensitive to the level of phosphorylation. The microfilaments are dispersed within the cells and they are most abundant near the plasma membrane.