Robo: Alright team, let's get these axons where they need to go. Slit, you're up first.
Slit: Alright, alright, don't rush me. Let me just activate my molecular mechanisms real quick.
Comm: Oh here we go, Slit and his molecular mechanisms. Always showing off.
Axon: Hey, can someone explain to me what's going on?”
Robo: Don't worry little guy, we're here to guide you. Slit is going to help you navigate to your destination.
Slit: That's right. I'm Slit, named after the slit-like spaces that I bind to. Not the most glamorous name, but hey, it's better than being called "sticky" like some other proteins.
Comm: Hey, don't be dissing my molecular mechanisms. They may not be as flashy as yours, but they get the job done.”
Axon: I don't mean to interrupt, but what do you do, Comm?
Comm: Oh, me? I'm the commissure, here to make sure you cross the midline properly. But my full name is commissural neuron guidance molecule, which makes me sound like some sort of cop.
Robo: And I'm Robo, short for Roundabout. I know, I know, I sound like a robot. But hey, I'm the protein that helps guide you around obstacles and keep you on the right path.
Slit: And together, we make a great team. The protein trio of axon guidance GPS.
Axon: so I’m gonna interrupt again. But why do I need to cross the midline at all? Why do you need to guide me. What’s going on here and where am I going?”
Robo: Well Axon, to answer your earlier question about the big picture, it's all about forming the correct connections in the nervous system. The brain is made up of billions of neurons, and each neuron needs to make connections with other neurons to form a functional network. These connections allow us to do everything from sensing our environment to controlling our movements and thoughts.
Comm: And that's where we come in. We help guide axons to their appropriate targets, ensuring that the connections are made correctly. Without us, the nervous system would be a chaotic mess.
Slit: Exactly. And that's why it's so important for us to do our job correctly. Even a small mistake can lead to a misconnection that could have serious consequences for the individual.
Axon: Wow, I had no idea that I was part of such a complex process. It's kind of overwhelming.
Robo: Don't worry, little guy. We've got your back. Just trust us, and we'll guide you to where you need to go.
Slit: And who knows? Maybe someday you'll become a fully-formed neuron, making connections with other neurons and contributing to the functioning of the nervous system.
Comm: Yeah, and maybe you'll even be guiding another axon someday.
Axon: That sounds amazing. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.
Robo: Alright team, let's get back to work. We have some important connections to make.
Axon: Wait, I have one more question. How did you all become proteins that guide axons?
Slit: Oh, it's a long story. It all started when we were just humble genes, waiting to be transcribed and translated.
Comm: And then one day, we were lucky enough to be selected to play a crucial role in axon guidance.
Robo: It's not the most glamorous job, but hey, someone's got to do it.
Axon: Well, I'm grateful for you guys. Thanks for guiding me through this crazy nervous system.
Slit: Anytime, dude. That's what we're here for.
Axon: Hey Robo, have you ever thought about what life would be like if you weren't proteins?
Robo: I can't say I have, Hey Slit and Comm. Do you want to be something else?
Slit: I don't know, maybe a neurotransmitter or something. Imagine how cool it would be to transmit information between neurons.
Comm: And I could be a transcription factor in a different system altogether. I could be regulating gene expression in a plant or something.
Robo: Oh come on, you guys. We're perfectly happy being proteins that guide axons. Let's not get too carried away with these fantasies.
Slit: Fine, fine. But you have to admit, it would be pretty cool.
Comm: Now let's get back shaping the intricate architecture of the nervous system. Lots of traffic to manage.
