Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
08:15
Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
SynCAMs organize synapses through heterophilic adhesion
Adam I Fogel1, Michael R Akins, Alexander J Krupp
1Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
Summary
Synaptic Cell Adhesion Molecules (SynCAMs) 1 and 2 form transsynaptic complexes that organize and promote functional synapses. This discovery advances understanding of how neural adhesion guides synapse development and function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Synapses are crucial asymmetric cell junctions organized by transsynaptic adhesion complexes.
- The precise molecular composition of these complexes and their role in synapse development are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel transsynaptic adhesion molecules involved in synapse organization.
- To elucidate the function of SynCAM proteins in synapse development and neurotransmission.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry to determine expression and localization of SynCAMs in the developing brain.
- Biochemical assays to analyze SynCAM interactions and complex formation.
- Functional assays to assess the impact of SynCAMs on synaptic activity.
Main Results:
- Synaptic Cell Adhesion Molecules (SynCAMs) 1 and 2 were identified as key components of excitatory and inhibitory synapses.
- SynCAM 1 and 2 form specific heterophilic transsynaptic complexes, influencing synapse organization.
- These complexes enhance functional synapse formation by increasing presynaptic terminals and excitatory neurotransmission.
- Glycosylation was found to regulate SynCAM 1/2 interactions, highlighting post-translational modification's role.
Conclusions:
- SynCAM proteins constitute novel heterophilic transsynaptic adhesion complexes essential for asymmetric synaptic interactions.
- SynCAMs play a critical role in guiding synapse organization and promoting functional synaptic transmission.
More Related Videos
04:47Measuring Transcellular Interactions through Protein Aggregation in a Heterologous Cell System
Published on: May 22, 2020
11:10Antibody Binding Specificity for Kappa (Vκ) Light Chain-containing Human (IgM) Antibodies: Polysialic Acid (PSA) Attached to NCAM as a Case Study
Published on: June 29, 2016
Related Concept Videos
01:25Structure of Cadherins
The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins” is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This diversity of cadherins...
01:31Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
01:24Adherens Junctions
Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...