The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of proteins that plays a fundamental role in maintaining cell structure, facilitating intracellular transport, and supporting cell movement. In neuroscience, the cytoskeleton has critical functions in the development, maintenance, and plasticity of neurons and supporting cells. To perform their functions effectively, neurons require a well-organized and stable cell structure. The cytoskeleton, composed of three main components — microtubules, actin filaments, and neurofilaments — provides the structural framework necessary for the proper functioning of neurons. Microtubules are long, tubular structures composed of protein subunits called tubulin. In neurons they serve as tracks for intracellular transport, allowing molecules and organelles to move. For example, neurotransmitter-filled vesicles move along microtubules to reach the synaptic terminals and microtubules play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining neuronal polarity, ensuring that information flows in a specific direction from the dendrites to the axon. Actin filaments are thin, flexible filaments that provide structural support to dendritic spines, the small protrusions on dendrites where neuronal synapses form. Dendritic spines are critical for synaptic plasticity, the basis for learning and memory. The dynamic changes in the shape and size of dendritic spines, mediated by actin filaments, underlie the strengthening or weakening of synaptic connections during learning and memory formation. Moreover, actin filaments play a role in neuronal migration during brain development. During embryonic development, newly formed neurons migrate to their final destinations in the developing brain. Actin filaments are essential for guiding these migrating neurons and ensuring they reach their appropriate locations to form the neural circuits. Neurofilaments are intermediate filaments specific to neurons that provide structural stability to the axons, the long projections of neurons responsible for transmitting electrical signals to other neurons. They help maintain the structural integrity of the axon and are essential for the transmission of electrical impulses along its length. Dysregulation of neurofilaments can lead to axonal degeneration, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond their role in maintaining cell structure, cytoskeletal proteins also play a role in synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to change their strength in response to activity. Synaptic plasticity involves changes in the number or properties of synaptic receptors. Cytoskeletal proteins are involved in the structural changes that occur at synapses during synaptic plasticity. For example, actin filaments play a role in regulating the size and shape of dendritic spines, which can influence the strength of synaptic connections. The cytoskeleton is implicated in various neurological disorders. Abnormalities in cytoskeletal proteins can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Mutations in genes encoding cytoskeletal proteins, particularly microtubule-associated proteins like tau and MAP2, have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. In Alzheimer's disease, the accumulation of abnormal tau protein in the brain leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, contributing to the loss of neuronal structure and function. Additionally, disrupted axonal transport caused by cytoskeletal abnormalities has been implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases. We provide a wide product range of research reagents for investigating cytoskeletal proteins, including GFAP antibodies, Stathmin 1 antibodies, Neurofilament heavy polypeptide antibodies, GFAP ELISA Kits, and Thrombospondin 1 ELISA Kits. Explore our full cytoskeletal proteins product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Intermediate Filaments, Microtubules, and Regulation product ranges.