Are presynaptic proteins predisposed to self-assemble?
Tight control of synapse formation ensures that neurons connect to appropriate targets. In this issue of Neuron, Klassen et al. identify ARL-8 GTPase as a regulator of presynaptic assembly. Without ARL-8, presynaptic material aggregates en route to its destination, suggesting that ARL-8 acts like a dispersant to prevent premature synaptic assembly in the axon.
Goldstein
Ann Y N
AY
FM Kirby Neurobiology Center of Children's Hospital, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Schwarz
Thomas L
TL