title: Breaking down to build up: Neuroligin's C-terminal domain strengthens the synapse.
abstract: The mechanisms by which neuroligin adhesion molecules modulate synaptic plasticity remain unclear. In this issue, Liu et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201509023) demonstrate that neuroligin 1 promotes actin assembly associated with synaptic strengthening independent of adhesion, suggesting additional ways for neuroligins to contribute to neuronal development and disease pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 kal8m@virginia.edu.
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Newell-Litwa
mesh_terms: D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000201:enzymology*; D051339:Actin Depolymerizing Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000378:metabolism*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000201:enzymology*; D049229:Dendritic Spines / Q000201:enzymology*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D054461:Lim Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D013569:Synapses / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D051339:Actin Depolymerizing Factors; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D054461:Lim Kinases