PDZ domains in synapse assembly and signalling

Synaptic junctions are highly specialized structures designed to promote th e rapid and efficient transmission of signals from the presynaptic terminal to the postsynaptic membrane within the central nervous system. Proteins c ontaining PDZ domains play a fundamental organizational role at both the pr e- and postsynaptic plasma membranes. This review focuses oil recent advanc es in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the assembly of synaps es in the central nervous system.