Soma-initiated oscillations establish neuronal polarity through actin waves

A newly discovered intrinsic cellular mechanism, driven by the soma, establishes neuronal polarity. This process involves a cyclical actin-based wave that retracts neurites, favoring one for axon development. This soma-initiated oscillatory program utilizes the ARP2/3 complex and actomyosin network to generate actin waves. These waves retract neurites, relax local contractility, and promote a protrusion that biases a neurite towards becoming an axon. The mechanism ensures a single axon forms independently of external cues, crucial for unidirectional information flow in neuronal circuits. Other neurites are suppressed from axon formation and become dendrites.