Neuronal Traction Force: From Growth Cone Motility to Neuronal Development, Migration, and Regeneration

Neurons are mechanically active cells that continuously interact with their extracellular environment during development, migration, axon extension, and regeneration. Among neuronal mechanical variables, traction force provides an informative interfacial readout because it reflects how cytoskeletal dynamics and adhesion are converted into forces exerted on the surrounding environment. This review summarizes the biomechanical basis of neuronal traction force, clarifies its relationship with tension and adhesion, and discusses traction force microscopy as a major method for mapping neuronal force output. We then review direct traction-force evidence related to growth cone advance, molecular-clutch-mediated force transmission, mechanical microenvironment sensing, neuronal migration, and discuss how force-based regulation is related to regeneration-associated growth. Current direct evidence is strongest for growth cones and migrating neurons, whereas mature synaptic remodeling, disease-related contexts, and regeneration models remain supported mainly by indirect mechanobiological evidence or externally applied force paradigms. Future studies combining three-dimensional models, traction readouts, molecular perturbation, and functional imaging will be important for defining how neuronal force generation contributes to nervous system development, adaptation, and repair.