title: Cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic specificity.
abstract: Precise connectivity in neuronal circuits is a prerequisite for proper brain function. The dauntingly complex environment encountered by axons and dendrites, even after navigation to their target area, prompts the question of how specificity of synaptic connections arises during development. We review developmental strategies and molecular mechanisms that are used by neurons to ensure their precise matching of pre- and postsynaptic elements. The emerging theme is that each circuit uses a combination of simple mechanisms to achieve its refined, often complex connectivity pattern. At increasing levels of resolution, from lamina choice to subcellular targeting, similar signaling concepts are reemployed to narrow the choice of potential matches. Temporal control over synapse development and synapse elimination further ensures the specificity of connections in the nervous system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305; email: shaulyogev@stanford.edu.
authors.forename: Shaul
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yogev
authors.forename: Kang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000378:metabolism; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000502:physiology; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D020439:Growth Cones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017956:Photoreceptor Cells, Invertebrate / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D005136:Eye Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins
keywords: neuronal circuits; neuronal development; signaling; synapse development