An intrinsic cytoskeletal oscillator establishes neuronal polarity.

A soma-driven cytoskeletal oscillator directs neuronal polarity by establishing a single axon in developing neurons.

• Why it matters: Understanding how neurons establish their fundamental asymmetry is crucial for insights into neural circuit formation and function, yet the mechanisms beyond external cues remain unclear.
• What they did: The study used live imaging, genetic loss-of-function, optogenetics, and cytoskeletal perturbations in vivo and in vitro to reveal a soma-initiated oscillatory program involving actin and microtubules that primes axon selection.
• The result: This intrinsic mechanism ensures the formation of one axon independently of external signals, enabling unidirectional information flow and proper neuronal circuit development.