Fig. 1

Schematic view of cellular function in conduits or scaffolds: A Cellular responses to environmental influences can be studied by controlling changes in the morphological properties and molecular structure of the cytoplasm and nucleus. Key indicators comprise of (1) adhesion and migration, which are based on the accumulation of intracellular actin and formation of filopodia, and (2) cell orientation or elongation in response to internal stimuli (biological/chemical gradient) or external stimuli (electrical impulses). B The cadherin/catenin complex is involved in cell–cell interaction, that E-Cadherin immobilizes synthesized β-catenin to the nerve cell membrane. Meanwhile α-catenin links β-catenin to the actin cytoskeleton. C Diagram of nerve Cell-ECM interaction displaying the sequence of main receptors and intra- and extracellular links