Role of actin in organelle trafficking in neurons.

Actin is a major cytoskeletal element involved in multiple cellular processes. Actin-rich regions present along the neuronal process aid in neuronal function, mediating multiple events involved in organelle trafficking. Actin is involved in organelle biogenesis, transport, and anchoring at specific locations. These functions can potentially be regulated by actin in a myosin-dependent or myosin-independent manner. The actin network could aid in membrane remodeling through membrane constriction, motor dependent transport, polymerization-based transport, cargo anchoring, and halting of cargo by acting as a physical barrier. Additionally, actin dynamics is perturbed in some neurodegenerative diseases where it could impact organelle biogenesis, transport, or anchoring thereby contributing to progression of disease phenotypes. The role of actin and myosin in organelle trafficking is the primary focus of this review.