The directed motility of growth cones at the tip of neuronal processes is a key function in neuronal path-finding and relies on a complex system of interacting cytoskeletal components. Despite intensive research in this field, many aspects of the mechanical roles of actin structures and, in particular, of microtubules throughout this process remain unclear. Mostly, force generation is ascribed to actin-myosin-based structures such as filopodia bundles and the dynamic polymer gel within the lamellipodium. Our analysis of microtubule buckling and deformation in motile growth cones reveals that extending microtubule filaments contribute significantly to the overall protrusion force. In this study, we establish a relationship of the local variations in stored bending energy and deformation characteristics to growth cone morphology and retrograde actin flow. This implies the relevance of microtubule pushing and deformation for general neurite advancement as well as steering processes.

In the fundamental process of neuronal path-finding, a growth cone at the tip of every neurite detects and follows multiple guidance cues regulating outgrowth and initiating directional changes. While the main focus of research lies on the cytoskeletal dynamics underlying growth cone advancement, we investigated collapse and retraction mechanisms in NG108-15 growth cones transiently transfected with mCherry-LifeAct and pCS2+/EMTB-3XGFP for filamentous actin and microtubules, respectively. Using fluorescence time lapse microscopy we could identify two distinct modes of growth cone collapse leading either to neurite retraction or to a controlled halt of neurite extension. In the latter case, lateral movement and folding of actin bundles (filopodia) confine microtubule extension and limit microtubule-based expansion processes without the necessity of a constantly engaged actin turnover machinery. We term this previously unreported second type fold collapse and suggest that it marks an intermediate-term mode of growth regulation closing the gap between full retraction and small scale fluctuations.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00249-013-0907-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.