Transcriptional control of synaptic differentiation by retrograde signals.
Synaptic differentiation during development is a multi-step process, which requires reciprocal communication between pre- and postsynaptic cells. Cell surface interactions can induce the assembly of synaptic specializations but maintenance and growth of synapses depend on transcriptional regulation. Transcriptional responses associated with synaptic differentiation are observed in central and peripheral neurons and depend on retrograde signals coming from the target region. Although the identity of most of the retrograde signaling pathways remains to be identified, the TGFbeta family of growth factors have emerged as one crucial signal at the neuromuscular junction. Here, we discuss evidence for transcriptional control during synaptic differentiation and the signaling pathways mediating retrograde TGFbeta signaling.
Kalinovsky
Anna
A
Columbia University, Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, 630 West 168(th) Street, P&S 11-511, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Scheiffele
Peter
P
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000235:genetics*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics; D005809:Genes, Regulator / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009420:Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta