Neuregulin and ErbB receptor signaling pathways in the nervous system

The neuregulins are a complex family of factors that perform many functions during neural development. Recent experiments have shown that neuregulins promote neuronal migration and differentiation, and regulate the selective expression of neurotransmitter receptors in neurons and at the neuromuscula r junction. They also regulate glial commitment, proliferation, survival an d differentiation. At interneuronal synapses, neuregulin ErbB receptors ass ociate with PDZ- domain proteins at postsynaptic densities where they can m odulate synaptic plasticity. How this combinatorial network comprising many neuregulin ligands that signal through distinct combinations of dimeric Er bB receptors - elicits its multitude of biological effects is beginning to be resolved.