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Published on: August 2, 2019
Ephrin regulation of synapse formation, function and plasticity
Martin Hruska1, Matthew B Dalva
1Department of Neuroscience and the Farber Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Martin.Hruska@jefferson.edu
Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences
|March 28, 2012
Summary
Eph receptors and ephrin ligands are crucial for synapse development and function. They regulate synapse formation, glutamate receptor stabilization, and synaptic plasticity in the mature brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Synapses are fundamental for neural circuit information transmission and brain plasticity.
- Numerous proteins induce synapse formation via trans-synaptic interactions.
- Proteins regulating early synapse development also maintain mature synapse function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Eph receptors and ephrins in synapse development and function.
- To summarize recent progress in understanding ephrin involvement in neural plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Eph receptors and ephrins.
- Analysis of their roles in synaptic differentiation and plasticity.
Main Results:
- Eph receptors and ephrin ligands are key regulators of synapse formation and function.
- They influence presynaptic and postsynaptic differentiation.
- Ephrin signaling modulates synaptic plasticity and strength in mature synapses.
Conclusions:
- Eph receptors and ephrins are critical for both the development and mature function of synapses.
- Their signaling pathways are essential for neural plasticity and brain adaptation.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
Chemical Synapses
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Chemical Synapses
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...

