Neurons are the basic functional unit of the brain.
Neuronal functions are served by their unique cell structure, a polarized organization that receives signal input from the dendritic end and send the integrated signal output to the distant targets via the axon. To determine whether neurofilaments play a role in the development of dendritic arborization of spinal motor neurons. To construct transgenic mice that express different neurofilament subunits using inducible promoters. Massive mitochondrial degeneration in motor neurons triggers the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in mice expressing a mutant SOD1. Axonal transport of mutant superoxide dismutase 1 and focal axonal abnormalities in the proximal axons of transgenic mice.