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Utilizing Combined Methodologies to Define the Role of Plasma Membrane Delivery During Axon Branching and Neuronal Morphogenesis
Published on: March 16, 2016
Seeking long-term relationship: axon and target communicate to organize synaptic differentiation
Michael A Fox1, Hisashi Umemori
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA. mike.fox@mcb.harvard.edu
Journal of Neurochemistry
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Axon and target cells communicate using trans-synaptic factors to guide synapse formation and function. This research details key signaling molecules involved in vertebrate nervous system development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Synapse formation requires precise alignment of pre- and postsynaptic structures.
- Axon-target communication is crucial for synaptic differentiation.
- The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) provided early insights into synapse assembly factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify trans-synaptic factors driving synaptic differentiation at vertebrate synapses.
- To explore the roles of axon-derived and target-derived signaling molecules.
- To understand the contribution of glial factors in synapse assembly.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on synaptic differentiation.
- Analysis of identified signaling molecules at vertebrate synapses.
- Comparison of factors at the NMJ and central synapses.
Main Results:
- Target-derived factors (WNT-7a, neuroligin, SynCAM, FGF-22) organize presynaptic differentiation.
- Axon-derived factors (Narp, ephrinB, neurexin) coordinate postsynaptic differentiation.
- Glial factors also play a role in regulating synapse assembly.
Conclusions:
- Multiple signaling pathways involving axon, target, and glial cells orchestrate synapse formation.
- Precise apposition of synaptic elements is established through complex molecular interactions.
- Recent findings significantly advance understanding of vertebrate nervous system development.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Synaptic Signaling
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
01:12Synaptic Signaling
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
01:21Neurons: The Axon
Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
02:47The Synapse
Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
01:25Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
01:35Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.