Research report 2009 - Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine
Neuroligin-2 regulates the maturation of inhibitory synapses in the brain
Authors
Varoqueaux, Frédérique
Departments
Molekulare Neurobiologie (Prof. Dr. Nils Brose)
MPI für experimentelle Medizin, Göttingen
Summary
Fast neuronal communication in the central nervous system takes place at excitatory and inhibitory synapses. The accuracy and efficiency of synaptic transmission rely on the proper assembly of specific adhesion, scaffold, receptor, and signaling proteins. Postsynaptic adhesion proteins of the Neuroligin family were identified as key regulators of this assembly process at excitatory glutamatergic synapses.
Recent studies showed that Neuroligins also regulate the formation of GABAergic and glycinergic synapses. Thus, Neuroligins are essential regulators of synaptogenesis at all fast synapses in the central nervous system.