Neurons are highly polarized cells with an elongated axon that extends far away from the cell body. To maintain their homeostasis, neurons rely extensively on axonal transport of membranous organelles and other molecular complexes. Axonal transport allows for spatio-temporal activation and modulation of numerous molecular cascades, thus playing a central role in the establishment of neuronal polarity, axonal growth and stabilization, and synapses formation. Anterograde and retrograde axonal transport are supported by various molecular motors, such as kinesins and dynein, and a complex microtubule network. In this review article, we will primarily discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying anterograde axonal transport and its role in neuronal development and maturation, including the establishment of functional synaptic connections. We will then provide an overview of the molecular and cellular perturbations that affect axonal transport and are often associated with axonal degeneration. Lastly, we will relate our current understanding of the role of axonal trafficking concerning anterograde trafficking of mRNA and its involvement in the maintenance of the axonal compartment and disease.

神经元是高度极化的细胞，其轴突伸长远离细胞体。为了维持其稳态，神经元广泛依赖于膜细胞器和其他分子复合物的轴突运输。轴突运输允许时空激活和调节许多分子级联，因此在神经元极性的建立，轴突生长和稳定以及突触形成中起着核心作用。顺行和逆行轴突的运输受到各种分子马达的支持，例如驱动蛋白和动力蛋白以及复杂的微管网络。在这篇综述文章中，我们将主要讨论顺行轴突运输的分子机制及其在神经元发育和成熟中的作用，包括建立功能性突触连接。然后，我们将概述影响轴突运输且通常与轴突变性相关的分子和细胞扰动。最后，我们将结合我们目前对轴突运输在mRNA顺行运输中的作用及其在维持轴突区室和疾病中的作用的理解。