Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
Published on: November 16, 2010
IgLON cell adhesion molecules regulate synaptogenesis in hippocampal neurons.
Takashi Hashimoto1, Shohei Maekawa, Seiji Miyata
1Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
IgLON cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) regulate synapse formation. Overexpressing LAMP or OBCAM increased synapses, while Kilon decreased them in hippocampal neurons, suggesting CAMs
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- IgLON cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are crucial for neural development.
- The IgLON family includes LAMP, neurotrimin (Ntm), OBCAM, and Kilon.
- Their precise roles in synapse formation require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of IgLON CAMs in regulating synapse formation.
- To determine the effects of single and double overexpression of IgLON genes on synaptic density in hippocampal neurons.
Main Methods:
- Single and double transfection of IgLON gene constructs into primary hippocampal neurons in vitro.
- Quantitative analysis of synaptic number using microscopy techniques.
Main Results:
- Single overexpression of LAMP or OBCAM significantly increased synaptic number.
- Single overexpression of Kilon reduced synaptic number; Ntm had no significant effect.
- Double overexpression of most IgLON pairs (e.g., Kilon-Ntm, Kilon-OBCAM) decreased synaptic number, with Kilon-LAMP and LAMP-OBCAM showing no effect.
Conclusions:
- IgLON CAMs play a significant role in modulating synapse formation in the hippocampus.
- Specific IgLON members and their combinations differentially regulate synaptic plasticity and development.
More Related Videos
07:51Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors
Published on: November 14, 2014
09:24Immunohistochemistry and Multiple Labeling with Antibodies from the Same Host Species to Study Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Published on: April 22, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...