Nervous system development relies on endosomal trafficking.

Overview

Accumulating findings have begun to unveil the important role of the endosomal machinery in the nervous system development. Endosomes have been linked to the differential segregation of cell fate determining molecules in asymmetrically dividing progenitors during neurogenesis. Additionally, the precise removal and reinsertion of membrane components through endocytic trafficking regulates the spatial and temporal distribution of signaling receptors and adhesion molecules, which determine the morphology and motility of migrating neurons. Emerging evidence suggests that the role of the endosomal sorting adaptors is dependent upon cell type and developmental stage. The repertoire of the signaling receptors and/or adhesion molecules sorted by the endosome during these processes remains to be explored. In this commentary, we will briefly address the progress in this research field.