Mammalian DSCAMs: they won't help you find a partner, but they'll guarantee you some personal space.
In this issue of Neuron, Fuerst et al., report that mammalian DSCAMs powerfully regulate the mosaic spacing of neurons in the retina, but not their synaptic specificity. The results unveil critical features regarding the type and scope of molecular interactions that guide neural circuit assembly in the mammalian CNS.
Huberman
Andrew D
AD
Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA. adh1@stanford.edu
D000818:Animals; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002449:Cell Aggregation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010550:Personal Space; D013569:Synapses / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; C486620:DSCAML1 protein, mouse; C491735:Dscam protein, mouse