UC Berkeley

Both neurons and glia in mammalian brains are highly ramified. Neurons form complex neural networks using axons and dendrites. Axons are long with few branches and form pre-synaptic boutons that connect to target neurons and effector tissues. Dendrites are shorter, highly branched, and form post-synaptic boutons. Astrocyte processes contact synapses and blood vessels in order to regulate neuronal activity and blood flow, respectively. Oligodendrocyte processes extend toward axons to make myelin sheaths. Microglia processes dynamically survey their environments. Here, we describe the local secretory system (ER and Golgi) in neuronal and glial processes. We focus on Golgi outpost functions in acentrosomal microtubule nucleation, cargo trafficking, and protein glycosylation. Thus, satellite ER and Golgi are critical for local structure and function in neurons and glia.