Biophysical constraints on neuronal branching.

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Neurocomputing. 2004 Jun;58-60:487-95
Biophysical constraints on neuronal branching.
Shefi O, Harel A, Chklovskii DB, Ben-Jacob E, Ayali A
Note: Research in this publication was not performed at Janelia.
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Abstract

We investigate rules that govern neuronal arborization, speci%cally the local geometry of the

bifurcation of a neurite into its sub-branches. In the present study we set out to determine

the relationship between branch diameter and angle. Existing theories are based on minimizing a

neuronal volume cost function, or, alternatively, on the equilibrium of mechanical tension forces,

whichdepend on branchdiameters. Our experimental results utilizing two-dimensional cultured

neural networks partly corroborate both the volume optimization principles and the tension theory.

Deviation from pure tension forces equilibrium is explained by an additional force exerted by

the anchoring of the junction to the substrate.

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