Full Description
Some of the molecules critical for building neuronal contacts have been shown to be affected in psychiatric disorders such as autism and mental retardation. Also, a reduction in synapse number in specific brain regions has been found in patients with brain disorders. Thus, imbalance in synaptic contact formation may result in the formation of abnormal neuronal circuits and the aberrant behavior manifested in these brain diseases. Recent findings also suggest that fine tuning of neuronal circuits rather than a major loss of neurons may be the cause of some of these brain disorders. In certain cases, loss of neurons could be a secondary event reflecting problems in improper neuronal communication.
Contents
Synaptogenesis: When Long-Distance Relations Become Intimate.- Synaptogenesis: When Long-Distance Relations Become Intimate.- Experimental Models of Synaptogenesis.- The Formation of the Vertebrate Neuromuscular Junction: Roles for the Extracellular Matrix in Synaptogenesis.- Synapse Formation between Identified Molluscan Neurons: A Model System Approach.- Development of the Drosophila and C. Elegans Neuromuscular Junctions.- Mechanisms That Regulate Neuronal Protein Clustering at the Synapse.- Roles of Cell Adhesion and Secreted Molecules in Synaptic Differentiation.- Cadherin-Mediated Adhesion and Signaling During Vertebrate Central Synapse Formation.- Synaptic Functions of the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule, NCAM.- Role of Neuroligin Binding to Neurexins in Synaptic Organization.- SynCAM in Formation and Function of Synaptic Specializations.- Protocadherins and Synapse Development.- Ephrins and Eph Receptors in Spinogenesis and Synaptic Plasticity.- Extracellular Matrix Molecules and Formation of CNS Synapses.- Role of Neurotrophins in the Formation and Maintenance of Synapses.- Transport of Synaptic Proteins.- Motor-Cargo Interactions Involved in Transport of Synaptic Proteins.- Postsynaptic Transport Packets.- Lateral Diffusion of Excitatory Neurotransmitter Receptors During Synaptogenesis.- Synaptic Cytoskeleton and Morphogenic Signaling.- Assembly of Presynaptic Active Zones.- Assembly of Postsynaptic Protein Complexes in Glutamatergic Synapses.- Regulation of Dendritic Spine Morphology and Synaptic Function By Scaffolding Proteins.- Composition and Assembly of Gabaergic Postsynaptic Specializations.- Role of Synaptogenesis in Morphologic Stabilization of Developing Dendrites.- Protein Kinases and Synaptogenesis.- Signaling from Synapse to Nucleus and Back.- Synaptic Plasticity in Learning and Memory.- Structural Synaptic Correlates of Learning and Memory.- Intracellular Trafficking of AMPA-Type Glutamate Receptors.- Learning-Induced Changes in Sensory Synaptic Transmission.- Synaptogenesis and Brain Disorders.- Relevance of Presynaptic Proteins to Neuropsychiatric Disorders.- Synaptic Abnormalities and Candidate Genes in Autism.- Synaptic Pathology in Depression.- Synaptic Pathology in Dementia.- A Fragile Synapse: Changes at the Synapse in Fragile X Syndrome.- Synaptic Abnormalities Associated with Huntington's Disease.- Interference Peptides: A Novel Therapeutic Approach Targeting Synaptic Plasticity in Drug Addiction.
