Cell-cell signaling during synapse formation in the CNS.
Synapses join individual nerve cells into a functional network. Specific cell-cell signaling events regulate synapse formation during development and thereby generate a highly reproducible connectivity pattern. The accuracy of this process is fundamental for normal brain function, and aberrant connectivity leads to nervous system disorders. However, despite the overall precision with which neuronal circuits are formed, individual synapses and synaptic networks are also plastic and can readily adapt to external stimuli or perturbations. In recent studies, several trans-synaptic signaling systems have been identified that can mediate various aspects of synaptic differentiation in the central nervous system. It appears that these individual pathways functionally cooperate, thereby generating robustness and flexibility, which ensure normal nervous system function.
Scheiffele
Peter
P
Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, and Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, P&S 11-511, 630 West 168 Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. ps2018@columbia.edu
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D039961:Semaphorins / Q000378:metabolism; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D039961:Semaphorins; D012794:Sialic Acids; C021319:polysialic acid