Mechanisms of input and output synaptic specificity: finding partners, building synapses, and fine-tuning communication

Randi L Rawson; E Anne Martin; Megan E Williams

doi:10.1016/j.conb.2017.03.006

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Mechanisms of input and output synaptic specificity: finding partners, building synapses, and fine-tuning communication

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Mechanisms of input and output synaptic specificity: finding partners, building synapses, and fine-tuning communication

Randi L Rawson, E Anne Martin and Megan E Williams

Current opinion in neurobiology, Vol.45, pp.39-44

08/01/2017

DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.03.006

PMCID: PMC5554725

PMID: 28388510

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/5554725View

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Abstract

For most neurons to function properly, they need to develop synaptic specificity. This requires finding specific partner neurons, building the correct types of synapses, and fine-tuning these synapses in response to neural activity. Synaptic specificity is common at both a neuron's input and output synapses, whereby unique synapses are built depending on the partnering neuron. Neuroscientists have long appreciated the remarkable specificity of neural circuits but identifying molecular mechanisms mediating synaptic specificity has only recently accelerated. Here, we focus on recent progress in understanding input and output synaptic specificity in the mammalian brain. We review newly identified circuit examples for both and the latest research identifying molecular mediators including Kirrel3, FGFs, and DGLα. Lastly, we expect the pace of research on input and output specificity to continue to accelerate with the advent of new technologies in genomics, microscopy, and proteomics.

Animals

Humans

Neurons - cytology

Neurons - metabolism

Neurons - physiology

Signal Transduction - genetics

Synapses - metabolism

Details

Title: Subtitle: Mechanisms of input and output synaptic specificity: finding partners, building synapses, and fine-tuning communication
Creators: Randi L Rawson - University of Utah
E Anne Martin - University of Utah
Megan E Williams - University of Utah
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Current opinion in neurobiology, Vol.45, pp.39-44
DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.03.006
PMID: 28388510
PMCID: PMC5554725
NLM abbreviation: Curr Opin Neurobiol
ISSN: 0959-4388
eISSN: 1873-6882
Grant note: R01 MH105426 / NIMH NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 08/01/2017
Academic Unit: Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Biology
Record Identifier: 9984937804902771

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