scholarly journals Glutamatergic axon-derived BDNF controls GABAergic synaptic differentiation in the cerebellum

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert I. Chen ◽  
Keling Zang ◽  
Eliezer Masliah ◽  
Louis F. Reichardt
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Differentiation

scholarly journals A Gata3–Mafb transcriptional network directs post-synaptic differentiation in synapses specialized for hearing

eLife ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Ming Yu ◽  
Jessica M Appler ◽  
Ye-Hyun Kim ◽  
Allison M Nishitani ◽  
Jeffrey R Holt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spiral Ganglion ◽  
Transcriptional Network ◽  
Spiral Ganglion Neurons ◽  
Ribbon Synapses ◽  
Auditory Responses ◽  
Synaptic Differentiation ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Ganglion Neurons

Information flow through neural circuits is determined by the nature of the synapses linking the subtypes of neurons. How neurons acquire features distinct to each synapse remains unknown. We show that the transcription factor Mafb drives the formation of auditory ribbon synapses, which are specialized for rapid transmission from hair cells to spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Mafb acts in SGNs to drive differentiation of the large postsynaptic density (PSD) characteristic of the ribbon synapse. In Mafb mutant mice, SGNs fail to develop normal PSDs, leading to reduced synapse number and impaired auditory responses. Conversely, increased Mafb accelerates synaptogenesis. Moreover, Mafb is responsible for executing one branch of the SGN differentiation program orchestrated by the Gata3 transcriptional network. Remarkably, restoration of Mafb rescues the synapse defect in Gata3 mutants. Hence, Mafb is a powerful regulator of cell-type specific features of auditory synaptogenesis that offers a new entry point for treating hearing loss.

scholarly journals Agrin mediates a rapid switch from electrical coupling to chemical neurotransmission during synaptogenesis

2005 ◽  
Vol 169 (3) ◽  
pp. 503-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnès O. Martin ◽  
Gérard Alonso ◽  
Nathalie C. Guérineau
Keyword(s):  
Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Electrical Coupling ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Splanchnic Nerve ◽  
Cholinergic Synapse ◽  
Synaptic Differentiation ◽  
Synaptic Neurotransmission ◽  
Developmental Switch

In contrast to its well-established actions as an organizer of synaptic differentiation at the neuromuscular junction, the proteoglycan agrin is still in search of a function in the nervous system. Here, we report an entirely unanticipated role for agrin in the dual modulation of electrical and chemical intercellular communication that occurs during the critical period of synapse formation. When applied at the developing splanchnic nerve–chromaffin cell cholinergic synapse in rat adrenal acute slices, agrin rapidly modified cell-to-cell communication mechanisms. Specifically, it led to decreased gap junction–mediated electrical coupling that preceded an increase in nicotinic synaptic transmission. This developmental switch from predominantly electrical to chemical communication was fully operational within one hour and depended on the activation of Src family–related tyrosine kinases. Hence, agrin may play a pivotal role in synaptogenesis in promoting a rapid switch between electrical coupling and synaptic neurotransmission.

Retrograde Signaling by Syt 4 Induces Presynaptic Release and Synapse-Specific Growth

Science ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 310 (5749) ◽  
pp. 858-863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motojiro Yoshihara ◽  
Bill Adolfsen ◽  
Kathleen T. Galle ◽  
J. Troy Littleton
Keyword(s):  
Neuromuscular Junctions ◽  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
High Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Synaptic Differentiation ◽  
Presynaptic Release ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Retrograde Signal ◽  
Postsynaptic Calcium

The molecular pathways involved in retrograde signal transduction at synapses and the function of retrograde communication are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that postsynaptic calcium 2+ ion (Ca2+) influx through glutamate receptors and subsequent postsynaptic vesicle fusion trigger a robust induction of presynaptic miniature release after high-frequency stimulation at Drosophila neuromuscular junctions. An isoform of the synaptotagmin family, synaptotagmin 4 (Syt 4), serves as a postsynaptic Ca2+ sensor to release retrograde signals that stimulate enhanced presynaptic function through activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)–cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway. Postsynaptic Ca2+ influx also stimulates local synaptic differentiation and growth through Syt 4–mediated retrograde signals in a synapse-specific manner.

Imaging the Dynamic Branching and Synaptic Differentiation of Xenopus Optic Axons In Vivo

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (11) ◽  
pp. pdb.prot106823
Author(s):  
Rommel Andrew Santos ◽  
Rodrigo Del Rio ◽  
Susana Cohen-Cory
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Differentiation ◽  
Optic Axons
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