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The Journal of Neuroscience, January 25, 2006, 26(4):1154-1163; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4424-05.2006

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Cellular/Molecular
Dendrites Contain a Spacing Pattern

Aaron B. Taylor and Justin R. Fallon

Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912

Correspondence should be addressed to Aaron Taylor, Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Box 1953, 190 Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02912. Email: aaron_taylor{at}brown.edu

The distinctive branching patterns of dendritic arbors are essential for neuronal information processing. The final shape of an arbor is the result of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. However, the cellular mechanisms that underlie branch patterning are unknown. In many biological systems, locally acting factors are intrinsically organized into spacing patterns that guide patterned morphogenesis. Here, we show that neurons contain two types of periodic and regular elements (PADREN1s and PADREN2s) that are arranged into a spacing pattern. The wavelength of the pattern is ~20 µm. Dendritic branches occur preferentially within PADREN1s, and specific PADREN lengths correspond to specific arbor types. The lengths of the PADRENs also change over time and can be modified by activity. However, PADRENs are intrinsically organized, possibly by a reaction-diffusion process. PADRENs reveal a previously unrecognized level of neuronal organization that may provide insight into how the distinct branching patterns of the dendrites are intrinsically organized.

Key words: dendrite; arbor; branching; morphology; pattern; branch spacing

Received Jun. 23, 2005; revised Dec. 7, 2005; accepted Dec. 12, 2005.

Correspondence should be addressed to Aaron Taylor, Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Box 1953, 190 Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02912. Email: aaron_taylor{at}brown.edu




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