Pathfinding by Peripheral Pioneer Neurons in Grasshoppers

Abstract

Grasshopper neurons accurately project axons across long distances between peripheral structures and the central nervous system. Nerve-trunk pathways followed by these axons are established early in embryogenesis by pioneer neurons. Growth cones from the first pioneers navigate along a chain of cells to the CNS. The placement of these cells may constitute the initial guidance mechanism underlying long-distance pathfinding.