Signal transduction during axon guidance: a genetic analysis in Drosophila.

Abstract

The searching growth cone simultaneously processes multiple guidance cues and converts them into intracellular signals regulating axon extension, steering and eventually synapse formation. This overlap of signaling pathways ensures functional connectivity of the nervous system during development. While this complicates the genetic analysis of these signaling pathways, combination of genetic techniques available in Drosophila has begun to successfully address the role of some key signaling molecules during axon guidance.