Immunological synapse formation between T cells and target cells can affect the functional outcome of TCR ligation by a given MHC-peptide complex. Although synapse formation is usually induced by TCR signaling, it is not clear whether other factors can affect the efficiency of synapse formation. Here, we tested whether cytokines could influence synapse formation between murine CTLs and target c...

We investigated how experience regulates the structure of a defined neuronal circuit in adult mice. Enriched environment (EE) produced a robust and reversible increase in hippocampal stratum lucidum synapse numbers, mossy fiber terminal (LMT) numbers, and spine plus synapse densities at LMTs, whereas a distinct mechanism depending on Rab3a promoted LMT volume growth. In parallel, EE increased p...

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a secreted growth factor critical for the establishment and maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) synapses. However, the precise mechanisms that allow BDNF signaling to regulate synapse formation are unknown. Interestingly, MAGUK scaffold proteins, a family of proteins critical for organizing the molecular architecture of the synapse, have alter...

Communications [2] Educational Technology Services [3] Finance and Administration [4] First Generation Support Services [5] Graduate and Professional Student Association [6] International Students and Scholars Office [7] Learning Resource Services [8] Office of Career and Professional Development [9] Office of Institutional Research [10] Office of the Registrar [11] Registered Campus Organizati...

Communications [2] Educational Technology Services [3] Finance and Administration [4] First Generation Support Services [5] Graduate and Professional Student Association [6] International Students and Scholars Office [7] Learning Resource Services [8] Office of Career and Professional Development [9] Office of Institutional Research [10] Office of the Registrar [11] Registered Campus Organizati...

Communications [2] Educational Technology Services [3] Finance and Administration [4] First Generation Support Services [5] Graduate and Professional Student Association [6] International Students and Scholars Office [7] Learning Resource Services [8] Office of Career and Professional Development [9] Office of Institutional Research [10] Office of the Registrar [11] Registered Campus Organizati...

Communications [2] Educational Technology Services [3] Finance and Administration [4] First Generation Support Services [5] Graduate and Professional Student Association [6] International Students and Scholars Office [7] Learning Resource Services [8] Office of Career and Professional Development [9] Office of Institutional Research [10] Office of the Registrar [11] Registered Campus Organizati...

Communications [2] Educational Technology Services [3] Finance and Administration [4] First Generation Support Services [5] Graduate and Professional Student Association [6] International Students and Scholars Office [7] Learning Resource Services [8] Office of Career and Professional Development [9] Office of Institutional Research [10] Office of the Registrar [11] Registered Campus Organizati...

Communications [2] Educational Technology Services [3] Finance and Administration [4] First Generation Support Services [5] Graduate and Professional Student Association [6] International Students and Scholars Office [7] Learning Resource Services [8] Office of Career and Professional Development [9] Office of Institutional Research [10] Office of the Registrar [11] Registered Campus Organizati...

Synapse elimination at the developing neuromuscular junction (NMJ) sculpts motor circuits, and synapse loss at the aging NMJ drives motor impairments that are a major cause of loss of independence in the elderly. Here we provide evidence that at the NMJ, both developmental synapse elimination and aging-related synapse loss are promoted by specific immune proteins, members of the major histocomp...