Ligand-Induced Cell Adhesion in Synapse Formation

During neuronal development, specific synaptic circuits are generated by synapse formation between the appropriate pre-and postsynaptic partners and aberrant connectivity can lead to nervous system disorders.The accuracy of synapse formation is fundamental for the normal brain development and depends in part on the controlled spatial and temporal expression of selective adhesion molecules on neuronal surface. Adhesion at the synapsesMany cell adhesion molecules are localized at synaptic sites in neuronal axons and dendrites.These molecules bridge pre-and postsynaptic specializations but do far more than simply provide a mechanical link between cells, they are important elements in the trans-cellular communication mediated by synapses.During the last years, some adhesion complexes, which are involved in the formation, maintenance and modulation of synaptic contacts, have emerged.Three particularly interesting molecular systems of pre-and postsynaptic partners that interact in trans across the synaptic cleft, have been described: Neurexin-Neuroligin, LRRTM and SynCam.