Organization and regulation of proteins at synapses

The organization and regulation of synaptic connections in the mammalian ne rvous system entail complicated and coordinated molecular and cellular proc esses. The unveiling of various protein-protein interactions and their func tional consequences at synapses have led to a greater understanding of the process of synapse formation and the modulation of synaptic transmission. R ecent studies indicate that the major excitatory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, the glutamate receptors, are associated with many different molecules that are involved in the formation of elaborate synaptic cytoskel etal networks and signal transduction cascades. These complex protein netwo rks may play critical roles in the regulation of neurotransmitter receptor function and the efficacy of synaptic transmission.