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The making of neurexins
M Missler1, R Fernandez-Chacon, T C Südhof
1Department of Molecular Genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235, USA.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|September 29, 1998
Summary
Neurexins are diverse neuronal cell-surface proteins. They form crucial intercellular junctions and act as receptors, potentially involved in multiple brain functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neurexins are a large family of neuronal cell-surface proteins.
- They exist in thousands of isoforms generated by alternative splicing.
- Their modular structure suggests evolutionary assembly and diverse functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of neurexins in neuronal function.
- To describe the molecular interactions at neurexin-mediated intercellular junctions.
- To explore neurexins as signaling receptors and toxin receptors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of neurexin structure and isoform generation.
- Investigation of neurexin interactions with neuroligins, CASK, and PSD95.
- Examination of neurexin binding to neurexophilins and alpha-latrotoxin.
Main Results:
- Neurexins form asymmetric intercellular junctions with neuroligins, involving CASK and PSD95.
- Alpha-neurexins bind neurexophilins, similar to peptide hormones, suggesting signaling roles.
- Specific neurexin isoforms act as high-affinity receptors for neurotoxins like alpha-latrotoxin.
Conclusions:
- Neurexins are versatile neuronal receptors with critical roles in cell adhesion and signaling.
- Their complex structure and interactions highlight their importance in brain function.
- Neurexins are implicated in intercellular communication, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection/neurotoxicity.