title: The neuroligin and neurexin families: from structure to function at the synapse.
abstract: Proper brain connectivity and neuronal transmission rely on the accurate assembly of neurotransmitter receptors, cell adhesion molecules and several other scaffolding and signaling proteins at synapses. Several new exciting findings point to an important role for the neuroligin family of adhesion molecules in synapse development and function. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the structure of neuroligins and neurexins, their potential binding partners at the synapse. We also discuss their potential involvement in several aspects of synapse development, including induction, specificity and stabilization. The implication of neuroligins in cognitive disorders such as autism and mental retardation is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
authors.forename: M-F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Lisé
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: El-Husseini
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules