Molecular organization of excitatory chemical synapses in the mammalian brain

Citation
Ed. Gundelfinger et St. Dieck, Molecular organization of excitatory chemical synapses in the mammalian brain, NATURWISSEN, 87(12), 2000, pp. 513-523
Citations number
82
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary,Multidisciplinary
Journal title
NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN
ISSN journal
00281042 → ACNP
Volume
87
Issue
12
Year of publication
2000
Pages
513 - 523
Database
ISI
SICI code
0028-1042(200012)87:12<513:MOOECS>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
Chemical synapses are highly specialized cell-cell junctions designed for e fficient signaling between nerve cells. Distinct cytoskeletal matrices are assembled at either side of the synaptic junction. The presynaptic cytomatr ix at the active zone (CAZ) defines and organizes the site of neurotransmit ter release from presynaptic nerve terminals. The postsynaptic density (PSD ) tethers neurotransmitter receptors and the postsynaptic signal transducti on machinery. Recent progress in the identification and characterization of novel CAZ and PSD components has revealed new insights into the molecular organization and assembly mechanisms of the synaptic neurotransmission appa ratus. On the presynaptic side, Bassoon and Piccolo, two related giant prot eins, are crucially involved in scaffolding the CAZ. On the postsynaptic si de, two families of multidomain adaptor proteins, the MAGuKs (membrane-asso ciated guanylate kinase homologs) and the ProSAP (proline-rich synapse-asso ciated protein, also termed Shank) family members are thought to be major o rganizing molecules of the PSD.