<i>Trans</i>‐synaptic mechanisms orchestrated by mammalian synaptic cell adhesion molecules
Jinhu Kim, Luis E. Gomez Wulschner, Won Chan Oh, Jaewon Ko
Abstract
Bidirectional trans-synaptic signaling is essential for the formation, maturation, and plasticity of synaptic connections. Synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are prime drivers in shaping the identities of trans-synaptic signaling pathways. A series of recent studies provide evidence that diverse presynaptic cell adhesion proteins dictate the regulation of specific synaptic properties in postsynaptic neurons. Focusing on mammalian synaptic CAMs, this article outlines several exemplary cases supporting this notion and highlights how these trans-synaptic signaling pathways collectively contribute to the specificity and diversity of neural circuit architecture.
Topics & Concepts
Synaptic plasticityPostsynaptic potentialMetaplasticitySynaptic fatigueNeuroscienceNonsynaptic plasticitySynaptic scalingCell adhesion moleculeSynaptic augmentationSynaptic pharmacologySynaptic cleftBiologySynapseNeural cell adhesion moleculeCell adhesionCell biologyCellNeurotransmitterReceptorCentral nervous systemBiochemistryNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchReceptor Mechanisms and SignalingNeuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms