Cell adhesion molecules in synapse formation.
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.
Washbourne
Philip
P
Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-1254, USA. pwash@uoneuro.uoregon.edu
Dityatev
Alexander
A
Scheiffele
Peter
P
Biederer
Thomas
T
Weiner
Joshua A
JA
Christopherson
Karen S
KS
El-Husseini
Alaa
A
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology*; D003712:Dendrites / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules