Intercellular protein-protein interactions at synapses.
Protein Cell
; 5(6): 420-44, 2014 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24756565
ABSTRACT
Chemical synapses are asymmetric intercellular junctions through which neurons send nerve impulses to communicate with other neurons or excitable cells. The appropriate formation of synapses, both spatially and temporally, is essential for brain function and depends on the intercellular protein-protein interactions of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) at synaptic clefts. The CAM proteins link pre- and post-synaptic sites, and play essential roles in promoting synapse formation and maturation, maintaining synapse number and type, accumulating neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels, controlling neuronal differentiation, and even regulating synaptic plasticity directly. Alteration of the interactions of CAMs leads to structural and functional impairments, which results in many neurological disorders, such as autism, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the functions of CAMs during development and in the mature neural system, as well as in the pathogenesis of some neurological disorders. Here, we review the function of the major classes of CAMs, and how dysfunction of CAMs relates to several neurological disorders.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Sinapses
/
Moléculas de Adesão Celular
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Protein Cell
Assunto da revista:
BIOQUIMICA
Ano de publicação:
2014
Tipo de documento:
Article