Retrograde signaling and the development of transmitter release properties in the invertebrate nervous system

The dynamics of presynaptic transmitter release are often matched to the functional properties of the postsynaptic cell. In organisms ranging from cats to crickets, evidence suggests that retrograde signaling is essential for matching these presynaptic release properties to individual postsynaptic partners. Retrograde interactions appear to control the development of presynaptic, short-term facilitation and depression.