Mechanisms of excitatory synapse maturation by trans-synaptic organizing complexes

Synapses are specialized cell–cell adhesion contacts that mediate communication within neural networks. During development, excitatory synapses are generated by step-wise recruitment of presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins to sites of contact. Several classes of synaptic organizing complexes have b...

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Published inCurrent opinion in neurobiology Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 221 - 227
Main Authors McMahon, Samuel A, Díaz, Elva
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2011
Subjects
Animals
Developmental stages
Humans
Neurogenesis - physiology
Neurology
Psychiatry
Receptors, AMPA - metabolism
Synapses - physiology
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Summary:Synapses are specialized cell–cell adhesion contacts that mediate communication within neural networks. During development, excitatory synapses are generated by step-wise recruitment of presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins to sites of contact. Several classes of synaptic organizing complexes have been identified that function during the initial stages of synapse formation. However, mechanisms underlying the later stages of synapse development are less well understood. In recent years, molecules have been discovered that appear to play a role in synapse maturation. In this review, we highlight recent findings that have provided key insights for understanding postsynaptic maturation of developing excitatory synapses with a focus on recruitment of AMPA receptors to developing synapses.
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ISSN:0959-4388
1873-6882
DOI:10.1016/j.conb.2010.12.005