Cooperative synapse formation in the neocortex

Spike-Timing Dependence of Structural Plasticity Explains Cooperative Synapse Formation in the Neocortex

Structural plasticity governs the long-term development of synaptic connections in the neocortex. While the underlying processes at the synapses are not fully understood, there is strong evidence that a process of random, independent formation and pruning of excitatory synapses can be ruled out. Instead, there must be some cooperation between the synaptic contacts connecting a single pre- and p...

GABA regulates excitatory synapse formation in the neocortex via NMDA receptor activation.

The development of a balance between excitatory and inhibitory synapses is a critical process in the generation and maturation of functional circuits. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuronal activity plays an important role in achieving such a balance in the developing cortex, but the mechanism that regulates this process is unknown. During development, GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotr...

Synapse formation in retinoblastoma tumours.

Developing photoreceptor-like cells in retinoblastoma tumour fleurettes were found to contain apical tight junctions, mitochondrial-filled inner segment regions with cilia, and basally located synaptic ribbons and vesicles. Synaptic contract appeared to be established with adjacent neuronal-like elements. We suggest that photoreceptor differentiation in retinoblastoma tumours follows a sequence...

Synapse formation in retinoblastoma tumours

NRP1 and synapse formation

Perception and behavior are critically dependent on synaptic communication between specific neuronal types. Understanding how neurons achieve such a “synaptic specificity” is therefore one of the most fundamental issues in developmental neuroscience. The final lock between the preand post-synaptic elements is the culmination of a multiple-step program that includes cell migration, cell differen...