Neuronal circuits, the functional building blocks of the nervous system, assemble during development through a series of dynamic processes including the migration of neurons to their final position, the growth and navigation of axons and their synaptic connection with target cells. While the role of chemical cues in guiding neuronal migration and axonal development has been extensively analysed, the contribution of mechanical inputs, such as forces and stiffness, has received far less attention. In this article, we review the in vitro and more recent in vivo studies supporting the notion that mechanical signals are critical for multiple aspects of neuronal circuit assembly, from the emergence of axons to the formation of functional synapses. By combining live imaging approaches with tools designed to measure and manipulate the mechanical environment of neurons, the emerging field of neuromechanics will add a new paradigm in our understanding of neuronal development and potentially inspire novel regenerative therapies.

中文翻译：

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机械线索在塑造神经元形态和连接中的作用

神经元回路是神经系统的功能构建块，在发育过程中通过一系列动态过程进行组装，包括神经元迁移到最终位置、轴突的生长和导航以及它们与靶细胞的突触连接。虽然化学线索在指导神经元迁移和轴突发育方面的作用已得到广泛分析，但机械输入（如力和刚度）的贡献却很少受到关注。在本文中，我们回顾了体外和最近的体内研究，这些研究支持机械信号对神经元回路组装的多个方面至关重要的观点，从轴突的出现到功能性突触的形成。