Title
Wnt signaling during synaptic development and plasticity
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Neurobiology
Date
2-2011
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Animals; Humans; Neurogenesis; Neuronal Plasticity; Signal Transduction; Synapses; Wnt Proteins
Disciplines
Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Abstract
The formation of synaptic connections requires a dialogue between pre and postsynaptic cells to coordinate the assembly of the presynaptic release machinery and the postsynaptic receptive complexes. Signaling molecules of the Wnt family of proteins are central to this trans-synaptic dialogue. At the neuromuscular junction and central synapses, Wnts promote synaptic assembly by signaling to the developing pre and postsynaptic compartments. In addition, new studies reveal that expression of Wnt proteins and localization of their Fz receptors are regulated by neuronal activity. Importantly, Wnts mediates the synaptic changes induced by patterned neuronal activity or sensory experience in mature neurons. Here we review recent findings into the function of Wnt signaling at the synapse and its link to activity-dependent synaptic growth and function.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2011 Feb;21(1):151-9. Epub 2011 Jan 14. Link to article on publisher's site