Neuroligins help dendrites keep up with the Joneses

Nat Neurosci. 2012 Dec;15(12):1609-11. doi: 10.1038/nn.3271.

Abstract

A function for neuroligins in synapse formation has been controversial owing to conflicting data from in vitro work and knockout mice. A study now reconciles previous results, showing that cell-to-cell variability in neuroligin-1 expression, which mediates intercellular competition for presynaptic inputs, regulates synapse density and spinogenesis.

Publication types

  • News
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / embryology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Synapses / physiology*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • neuroligin 1