Nerve processes elongate, branch and form synaptic contacts in a highly regulated and specific manner. Long-distance axon elongation is restricted to the main phase of axon formation during development, but can be reinduced upon lesions in the adult (regeneration). It correlates with the expression of defined genes, including proteins involved in signalling (e.g. src, NCAM, integrins), transcription factors (e.g. c-jun) and structural proteins (e.g. actin and tubulin isoforms). Activation of an exon elongation program may require bcl-2. The formation and growth of local branches (sprouting) is controlled by mechanisms in the target region. In addition, the expression of growth-associated proteins such as GAP-43 and CAP-23 in neurons lowers the threshold for nerve sprouting and potentiates its vigour. Recent studies suggest that nerve sprouting and long-distance elongation depend on the expression of different intrinsic components in neurons. One implication of these findings is that the differential expression of genes facilitating local branching may affect structural plasticity in the intact adult nervous system.