Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Evaluation of Synapse Density in Hippocampal Rodent Brain Slices
07:44

Evaluation of Synapse Density in Hippocampal Rodent Brain Slices

Published on: October 6, 2017

IgLON cell adhesion molecule Kilon is a crucial modulator for synapse number in hippocampal neurons

Takashi Hashimoto1, Mayumi Yamada, Shohei Maekawa

  • 1Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan.

Brain Research
|July 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Kilon, an IgLON family member, changes its location and function during neuronal development. Its role in synapse number modulation shifts from decreasing to increasing as neurons mature.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Kilon is a member of the IgLON family, part of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules.
  • Understanding Kilon's role in neuronal development and synapse formation is crucial for comprehending brain function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the temporal and spatial changes of Kilon expression in cultured hippocampal neurons.
  • To determine Kilon's modulatory functions on synapse number during neuronal development.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized cultured hippocampal neurons to study Kilon expression.
  • Examined Kilon's localization, detergent solubility, and effects on synapse number via gene overexpression using plasmid vectors.

Main Results:

  • Kilon localization shifted from presynaptic terminals in early cultures to postsynaptic spines in mature neurons.
  • Detergent solubility of Kilon changed, becoming more resistant in mature neurons.
  • Kilon overexpression decreased synapse number in early cultures but increased it in late cultures.

Conclusions:

  • Kilon's modulatory function on dendritic synapse number changes during neuronal culture development.
  • These functional alterations are associated with dynamic changes in Kilon's localization and detergent solubility.

More Related Videos

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number18:11

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

Published on: November 16, 2010

Use of Primary Cultured Hippocampal Neurons to Study the Assembly of Axon Initial Segments06:53

Use of Primary Cultured Hippocampal Neurons to Study the Assembly of Axon Initial Segments

Published on: February 12, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules01:31

Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules

Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
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 Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization01:19

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...