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Organization of central synapses by adhesion molecules
Author(s) -
Tallafuss Alexandra,
Constable John R. L.,
Washbourne Philip
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07340.x
Subject(s) - neuroscience , postsynaptic potential , synapse , excitatory postsynaptic potential , excitatory synapse , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , biology , synapse formation , postsynaptic density , silent synapse , cell adhesion molecule , glutamate receptor , microbiology and biotechnology , ampa receptor , biochemistry , receptor
Abstract Synapses are the primary means for transmitting information from one neuron to the next. They are formed during the development of the nervous system, and the formation of appropriate synapses is crucial for the establishment of neuronal circuits that underlie behavior and cognition. Understanding how synapses form and are maintained will allow us to address developmental disorders such as autism, mental retardation and possibly also psychological disorders. A number of biochemical and proteomic studies have revealed a diverse and vast assortment of molecules that are present at the synapse. It is now important to untangle this large array of proteins and determine how it assembles into a functioning unit. Here we focus on recent reports describing how synaptic cell adhesion molecules interact with and organize the presynaptic and postsynaptic specializations of both excitatory and inhibitory central synapses.