Neurons are specialized cells with a complex architecture that includes elaborate dendritic branches and a long, narrow axon
that extends from the cell body to the
synaptic terminal. The organized
transport of essential biological materials throughout the neuron is required to support its growth, function, and viability. In this review, we focus on insights that have emerged from the genetic analysis of long-distance axonal transport between the cell body and the synaptic terminal. We also discuss recent genetic evidence that supports the hypothesis that disruptions in axonal transport may cause or dramatically contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.