title: Molecular mechanisms of target specificity during synapse formation.
abstract: Neurons are connected with a high degree of specificity in neuronal circuits. Axon guidance mechanisms are responsible for directing axons to their approximate target region. It is not well understood how precise synaptic connections form between specific pre- and postsynaptic neurons within the target area. Recent analysis of a group of cell surface proteins in different systems has shed light on the diverse cellular and molecular mechanisms that generate the precise patterns of connectivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, 371 Serra Mall, Herrin Labs, Room 150, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. kangshen@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Kang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D012679:Sense Organs / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules