Modelling of axonal cargo rerouting in a dendrite.

This paper develops a model of axonal cargo transport in and out of a dendrite en route to the axon. The entrance of axonal cargos into a dendrite is explained by a mixed orientation of microtubules (MTs) in a dendrite. Using the simplest hypothesis explaining cargo targeting to axons and dendrites (this hypothesis postulates that axonal cargos are driven by kinesin motors and that dendritic cargos are driven by dynein motors), it is assumed that axonal cargos can enter a dendrite using MTs whose plus-ends are directed outward. Later, as kinesin motors detach from these MTs and reattach to oppositely directed MTs, the axonal cargos are transported out of the dendrite and are rerouted to the axon. The developed model makes it possible to investigate the dynamics of axonal cargo trafficking in a dendrite and study how it is affected by various input parameters, such as the kinesin velocity distribution.