Extracellular matrix and synapse formation
Lei Yang1, Mengping Wei1, Biyu Xing1
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
Abstract:
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex molecular network distributed throughout the extracellular space of different tissues as well as the neuronal system. Previous studies have identified various ECM components that play important roles in neuronal maturation and signal transduction. ECM components are reported to be involved in neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and axonal growth by interacting or binding to specific receptors. In addition, the ECM is found to regulate synapse formation, the stability of the synaptic structure, and synaptic plasticity. Here, we mainly reviewed the effects of various ECM components on synapse formation and briefly described the related diseases caused by the abnormality of several ECM components.
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