title: Cell adhesion molecules in synapse formation.
abstract: Neuronal transmission relies on signals transmitted through a vast array of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal synaptic connections. How do axons communicate with dendrites to build synapses, and what molecules regulate this interaction? There is a wealth of evidence suggesting that cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) provide much of the information required for synapse formation. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms used by CAMs to regulate presynaptic and postsynaptic differentiation.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-1254, USA. pwash@uoneuro.uoregon.edu
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Washbourne
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dityatev
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Scheiffele
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Biederer
authors.forename: Joshua A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Weiner
authors.forename: Karen S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Christopherson
authors.forename: Alaa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: El-Husseini
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology*; D003712:Dendrites / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules