Cadherins communicate structural plasticity of presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals.
Synapse adhesion molecules play a key role in specifying and facilitating the recognition of axodendritic contacts. New studies by and reported in this issue of Neuron reveal multiple functions for the cadherin-catenin complex. This adhesion complex regulates synaptogenesis and coordinates synaptic strength with presynaptic and postsynaptic organization, including the shape of dendritic spines.
MRC Cell Biology Unit and Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, United Kingdom.
Yukiko
Y
Goda
D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D003712:Dendrites / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D017729:Presynaptic Terminals / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051176:beta Catenin
C495270:CTNNB1 protein, human; D015820:Cadherins; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051176:beta Catenin