title: Polymorphic receptors: neuronal functions and molecular mechanisms of diversification.
abstract: The formation of neuronal circuits is driven by complex developmental programs. A key feature of such programs is the precise spatiotemporal control of cell surface recognition molecules in genetically defined cells. Moreover, epigenetic modifications and alternative splicing processes have emerged that are not genetically predetermined but stochastic in nature. Recent studies have highlighted critical functions of such stochastic processes in neuronal wiring and neuronal self-recognition. In this review, we will illustrate recently identified principles that control the molecular diversity of neuronal cell surface receptors, and the function of such receptors in encoding a dynamic or stable neuronal identity.
authors.affiliation: Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Dietmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schreiner
authors.affiliation: Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Thi-Minh
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland. Electronic address: peter.scheiffele@unibas.ch.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Scheiffele
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D055495:Neurogenesis; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface