Neurons are highly polarized cells that have specialized regions for synaptic input, the dendrites, and synaptic output, the axons. This polarity is critical for appropriate neural circuit formation and function. One of the central gaps in our knowledge is understanding how developing neurons initiate axon polarity. Given the critical nature of this polarity on neural circuit formation and function, neurons have evolved multiple mechanisms comprised of extracellular and intracellular cues that allow them to initiate and form axons. These mechanisms engage a variety of signaling cascades that provide positive and negative cues to ensure axon polarization. This review highlights our current knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of axon polarization in pyramidal neurons and their relevance to the development of the brain.

神经元是高度极化的细胞，具有用于突触输入、树突和突触输出、轴突的专门区域。这种极性对于适当的神经回路形成和功能至关重要。我们知识中的主要空白之一是了解发育中的神经元如何启动轴突极性。鉴于这种极性对神经回路形成和功能的关键性质，神经元已经进化出多种机制，包括允许它们启动和形成轴突的细胞外和细胞内线索。这些机制涉及各种信号级联，提供积极和消极的线索，以确保轴突极化。这篇综述强调了我们目前对锥体神经元轴突极化的分子基础及其与大脑发育的相关性的了解。