[Marked for life: synaptic stabilisation leaves an indelible trace on neuronal partners: a question of etiquette for neurons?].
Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have used the rodent olivocerebellar path to examine developmental synaptogenesis, in particular the mechanisms which permit the simultaneous stabilisation of some synapses and elimination of others. They reveal that while the formation of synapses can take place throughout life, elimination of supernumerary connections is limited to a critical period during development. Synapse elimination involves the strengthening of appropriate synapses and weakening of others, which are subsequently removed. This process is partly dependent on activity and post-synaptic signalling cascades and irreversibly changes each synaptic partner, leaving a trace of previous connectivity. Here we discuss the nature of this << trace >>, which may be a molecule that labels and protects those synapses to be retained, and its functional significance in maintaining the specificity of neuronal circuits needed for coordinate behaviour. double dagger.
Letellier
Mathieu
M
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and Cell Biology Unit, University College London, WC1E 6BT Londres, UK. m.letellier@ucl.ac.uk
Sherrard
Rachel M
RM
Lohof
Ann M
AM
Mariani
Jean
J
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009847:Olivary Nucleus / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*