Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptogenesis addresses the rapid evolution of the synaptogenesis field.

Coverage includes:

• examines several experimental models from neuromuscular junctions of simple organisms
• cell adhesion molecules
• transport of synaptic components and the roles of cytoskeletal proteins and signaling molecules in assembly of synapses
• learning-induced changes in the structure and efficacy of synapses in different brain regions
• and more!

Contents

Experimental models of synaptogenesis

1. The formation of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction: roles for the extracellular matarix in synaptogenesis
2. Synapse formation between identified molluscan neurons: a model system approach
3. Development of the drosophila and c. elegans neuromuscular junctions
4. Mechanisms that regulate neuronal protein clustering at the synapse

Roles of cell adhesion and secreted molecules in synaptic differentiation

5. Cadherin-mediated adhesion and signaling during vertebrate central synapse formation
6. Synaptic functions of the neural cell adhesion molecule
7. Role of neuroligin binding to neurexins in synaptic organization
8. SynCam in formation and function of synaptic specializations
9. Protocadherins and synapse development
10. Ephrins and eph receptors in spinogenesis and synaptic plasticity
11. Extracellular matrix molecules and formation of cns synapses
12. Role of neurotrophins in the formation and maintenance of synapses

Transport of synaptic proteins

13. Motor-cargo interactions involved in transport of synaptic proteins
14. Postsynaptic transport packets
15. Lateral diffusion of excitatory neurotransmitter receptors during synaptogenesis

Synaptic cytoskeleton and morphogenetic signalling

16. Assembly of presynaptic active zones
17. Assembly of postsynaptic protein complexes in glutamatergic synapses
18. Regulation of dendritic spine morphology and synaptic function by scaffolding proteins
19. Composition and assembly of gabaergic postsynaptic specializations
20. Role of synaptogenesis in ;morphologic stabilization of developing dendrites
21. Protein kinases and synaptogenesis
22. Signaling from synapse to nucleur and back

Synaptic plasticity in learning and memory

23. Structural synaptic correlates of learning and memory
24. Intracellular trafficking of ampa-type glutamate receptors
25. Learning-induced changes in sensory synaptic transmission

Synaptogenesis and brain disorders

26. Relevance of presynaptic proteins to neuropsychiatric disorders
27. Synaptic abnormalities and candidate genes in autism
28. Synaptic pathology in depression
29. Synaptic pathology in dementia
30. A fragile synapse: changes at the synapse in fragile x syndrome
31. Synaptic abnormalities associated with Huntington's Disease
32. Interference peptides: a novel therapeutic approach targeting synaptic plasticity in drug addiction

Index

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