EphBs and ephrin-Bs: Trans-synaptic organizers of synapse development and function

Publication date: Available online 19 July 2018Source: Molecular and Cellular NeuroscienceAuthor(s): Nathan Henderson, Matthew B. DalvaAbstractSynapses are specialized cell-cell junctions that underlie the function of neural circuits by mediating communication between neurons. Both the formation and function of synapses require tight coordination between pre- and post-synaptic neurons. Trans-synaptic organizing molecules are important mediators of such signaling. Here we discuss how the EphB and ephrin-B families of trans-synaptic organizing proteins direct synapse formation during early development and regulate synaptic function and plasticity at mature synapses. Finally, we highlight recent evidence linking the synaptic organizing role of EphBs and ephrin-Bs to diseases of maladaptive synaptic function and plasticity.
Source: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research