Development of electrical properities and synaptic transmission at the embryonic neuromuscular junction

• Published in: International review of neurobiology Vol. 43; pp. 45 - 68
• Main Author: Broadie, K S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1999
• Subjects: Drosophila
• ISSN: 0074-7742
• DOI: 10.1016/S0074-7742(08)60540-1

Synaptogenesis at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction is similar in most regards to the thoroughly studied development of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction. Although these neuromuscular junctions are functionally and morphologically similar, the two terminals are chemically and molecularly distinct; the vertebrate neuromuscular junction is cholinergic and the Drosophila neuromuscular junction is glutamatergic. Therefore, the similarity of the developmental programs at these two synapses is encouraging for two reasons. First, it suggests that different types of synapses develop using similar mechanisms. Second, it suggests that synaptogenesis is an evolutionarily conserved process with striking similarities across a wide range of animal species. Consequently, it seems probable that the study of synaptogenesis in the Drosophila embryo should be directly relevant to synaptogenesis processes at both central and peripheral synapses in higher animals.