Neurite Outgrowth Assays

Section Overview

• In Vitro Neurite Outgrowth Assays
• Neural Cell Lines and Culture Media
• Neuroscience Antibodies

Introduction

Neurite Outgrowth is a process wherein developing neurons produce new projections as they grow in response to guidance cues. Nerve growth factors, or neurotrophins, are one family of such stimuli that regulate neurite growth¹. Dynamic neurite outgrowth during development results in the formation of a complex neuronal architecture that results in the establishment of the functional nervous system and brain². Understanding the biology of neurite outgrowth can shed light on mechanisms underlying certain neurodegenerative diseases³. In order to investigate neurite outgrowth, researchers need an effective methods for growing neurons in culture, stimulating the cells with neurogenic compounds, such as growth factors, and monitoring the growing neurites.

In Vitro Neurite Outgrowth Assays

Neurite Outgrowth Assays have been optimized and developed for characterization and quantification of neurite formation, composition, and behavior in response to chemical agents and growth conditions. The assay technique uses Millicell^® semi-porous culture inserts (1uM, 3uM) and optimized reagents to easily analyze neurite outgrowth using a common colorimetric or chemiluminescence detection.

Neural Cell Lines and Culture Media

Neuroscience Antibodies

Understanding neurite outgrowth can improve therapeutics for nervous system developmental disorders and neurodegenerative disease. Our extensively validated antibodies for studying neurite outgrowth can help determine the mechanisms of axon growth.