title: Control of neural circuit formation by leucine-rich repeat proteins.
abstract: The function of neural circuits depends on the precise connectivity between populations of neurons. Increasing evidence indicates that disruptions in excitatory or inhibitory synapse formation or function lead to excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalances and contribute to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing surface proteins have emerged as key organizers of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Distinct LRR proteins are expressed in different cell types and interact with key pre- and postsynaptic proteins. These protein interaction networks allow LRR proteins to coordinate pre- and postsynaptic elements during synapse formation and differentiation, pathway-specific synapse development, and synaptic plasticity. LRR proteins, therefore, play a critical role in organizing synaptic connections into functional neural circuits, and their dysfunction may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders.
authors.affiliation: VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: joris.dewit@cme.vib-kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: Joris
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Wit
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Discovery, F. Hoffman-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Anirvan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghosh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D000090263:Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D011506:Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000090263:Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins; D011506:Proteins
keywords: connectivity; excitation/inhibition balance; glutamate receptor; synaptic adhesion; synaptic transmission; synaptogenesis