Neural
circuit
assembly
in
the
brain
requires
precise
establishment
of
synaptic
connections,
but
mechanisms
synapse
remain
incompletely
understood.
Latrophilins
are
postsynaptic
adhesion-GPCRs
that
engage
trans-synaptic
complexes
with
presynaptic
teneurins
and
FLRTs.
In
mouse
CA1-region
neurons,
Latrophilin-2
Latrophilin-3
essential
for
formation
entorhinal-cortex-derived
Schaffer-collateral-derived
synapses,
respectively.
However,
it
is
unknown
whether
latrophilins
function
as
GPCRs
formation.
Here,
we
show
exhibit
constitutive
GPCR
activity
increases
cAMP
levels,
which
was
blocked
by
a
mutation
interfering
G-protein
arrestin
interactions
GPCRs.
The
same
impaired
ability
to
rescue
synapse-loss
phenotype
knockout
neurons
vivo.
Our
results
suggest
require
signaling
formation,
indicating
promote
hippocampus
activating
classical
GPCR-signaling
pathway.
The Journal of Cell Biology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
222(11)
Published: Aug. 29, 2023
Astrocytes
control
the
formation
of
specific
synaptic
circuits
via
cell
adhesion
and
secreted
molecules.
Astrocyte
synaptogenic
functions
are
dependent
on
establishment
their
complex
morphology.
However,
it
is
unknown
if
distinct
neuronal
cues
differentially
regulate
astrocyte
morphogenesis.
δ-Catenin
was
previously
thought
to
be
a
neuron-specific
protein
that
regulates
dendrite
We
found
δ-catenin
also
highly
expressed
by
astrocytes
required
both
in
neurons
for
hypothesized
mediate
transcellular
interactions
through
cadherin
family
proteins.
used
structural
modeling
biochemical
analyses
reveal
interacts
with
N-cadherin
juxtamembrane
domain
promote
surface
expression.
An
autism-linked
point
mutation
impaired
expression
reduced
complexity.
In
developing
mouse
cortex,
only
lower-layer
cortical
express
N-cadherin.
Remarkably,
when
we
silenced
astrocytic
throughout
morphology
disrupted.
These
findings
show
controls
astrocyte-neuron
layer-specific
Current Biology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
33(18), P. 3998 - 4005.e6
Published: Aug. 29, 2023
Advances
in
brain
connectomics
have
demonstrated
the
extraordinary
complexity
of
neural
circuits.1,2,3,4,5
Developing
neurons
encounter
axons
and
dendrites
many
different
neuron
types
form
synapses
with
only
a
subset
them.
During
circuit
assembly,
express
cell-type-specific
repertoires
comprising
cell
adhesion
molecules
(CAMs)
that
can
mediate
interactions
between
developing
neurites.6,7,8
Many
CAM
families
been
shown
to
contribute
wiring
ways.9,10
It
has
challenging,
however,
identify
receptor-ligand
pairs
directly
matching
their
synaptic
targets.
Here,
we
integrated
synapse-level
connectome
circuit11,12
developmental
expression
patterns7
binding
specificities
CAMs6,13
on
pre-
postsynaptic
Drosophila
visual
system.
To
overcome
circuits,
focus
genetically
related
make
differential
choices.
In
motion
detection
circuit,14
closely
subtypes
T4/T5
choose
alternative
targets
adjacent
layers
neuropil.12
This
choice
correlates
partners
Beat
Side
CAMs.
Genetic
analysis
presynaptic
Side-II
Beat-VI
restrict
same
layer.
Removal
this
pair
disrupts
leads
inappropriate
targeting
sites
dendrites.
We
propose
Side/Beat
collaborate
other
recognition
determine
fly
brain.
Combining
transcriptomes,
connectomes,
protein
interactome
maps
allow
unbiased
identification
determinants
wiring.
Cell Reports,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
42(9), P. 113038 - 113038
Published: Aug. 23, 2023
Chronic
neurodegeneration
and
acute
injuries
lead
to
neuron
losses
via
diverse
processes.
We
compared
retinal
ganglion
cell
(RGC)
responses
between
chronic
glaucomatous
conditions
the
injury
model.
Among
major
RGC
subclasses,
αRGCs
intrinsically
photosensitive
RGCs
(ipRGCs)
preferentially
survive
conditions,
similar
findings
in
retina
subject
axotomy.
Focusing
on
an
αRGC
intrinsic
factor,
Osteopontin
(secreted
phosphoprotein
1
[Spp1]),
we
found
ectopic
neuronal
expression
of
(Spp1)
other
conditions.
This
contrasted
with
Spp1
downregulation
αRGC-specific
elimination
led
significant
loss,
diminishing
their
resiliency.
overexpression
robust
neuroprotection
susceptible
subclasses
under
In
contrast,
did
not
significantly
protect
Additionally,
SPP1
marked
adult
human
subsets
large
somata
aqueous
humor
correlated
glaucoma
severity.
Our
study
reveals
Spp1's
role
mediating
resiliency
glaucoma.
Current Biology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
34(3), P. R102 - R116
Published: Feb. 1, 2024
Precise
synaptic
connectivity
is
a
prerequisite
for
the
function
of
neural
circuits,
yet
individual
neurons,
taken
out
their
developmental
context,
readily
form
unspecific
synapses.
How
does
genome
encode
brain
wiring
in
light
this
apparent
contradiction?
Synaptic
specificity
outcome
long
series
processes
and
mechanisms
before,
during
after
synapse
formation.
much
promiscuity
permissible
or
necessary
at
moment
partner
choice
depends
on
extent
to
which
prior
development
restricts
available
partners
subsequent
corrects
initially
made
can
thereby
play
important
roles
precise
connectivity,
but
also
facilitate
flexibility
robustness.
In
review,
we
assess
experimental
evidence
prevalence
promiscuous
formation
development.
Many
well-established
approaches
are
based
genetic
perturbation
an
assessment
only
adult;
make
it
difficult
pinpoint
when
given
defect
mechanism
occurred.
many
cases,
such
studies
reveal
that
restrict
availability
already
Subsequently,
choice,
factors
including
competency,
interaction
dynamics
molecular
recognition
further
partners.
The
discussion
through
lens
suggests
algorithmic
process
neurons
capable
continuously
prevented
from
making
wrong
choices,
with
no
single
time
point
sufficient
explain
outcome.
Frontiers in Neuroscience,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
16
Published: April 28, 2022
Precise
wiring
of
neural
circuits
is
essential
for
brain
connectivity
and
function.
During
development,
axons
respond
to
diverse
cues
present
in
the
extracellular
matrix
or
at
surface
other
cells
navigate
specific
targets,
where
they
establish
precise
connections
with
post-synaptic
partners.
Cell
adhesion
molecules
(CAMs)
represent
a
large
group
structurally
proteins
well
known
mediate
circuit
assembly.
Through
their
adhesive
properties,
CAMs
act
as
major
regulators
axon
navigation,
fasciculation,
synapse
formation.
While
functions
have
been
decades,
more
recent
studies
unraveled
essential,
non-adhesive
well.
notably
guidance
modulate
signaling
pathways
pathfinding,
initiate
contact-mediated
repulsion
spatial
organization
axonal
arbors,
refine
neuronal
projections
during
maturation.
In
this
review,
we
summarize
classical
development
further
discuss
increasing
number
play