To build a synapse: signaling pathways in neuromuscular junction assembly

Development. 2010 Apr;137(7):1017-33. doi: 10.1242/dev.038711.

Abstract

Synapses, as fundamental units of the neural circuitry, enable complex behaviors. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synapse type that forms between motoneurons and skeletal muscle fibers and that exhibits a high degree of subcellular specialization. Aided by genetic techniques and suitable animal models, studies in the past decade have brought significant progress in identifying NMJ components and assembly mechanisms. This review highlights recent advances in the study of NMJ development, focusing on signaling pathways that are activated by diffusible cues, which shed light on synaptogenesis in the brain and contribute to a better understanding of muscular dystrophy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agrin / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
  • Laminin / metabolism
  • Motor Neurons / cytology
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Neuroglia / metabolism
  • Neuroglia / ultrastructure
  • Neuromuscular Junction / embryology*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / growth & development*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / ultrastructure
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / metabolism
  • Receptors, LDL / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synapses / ultrastructure
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Agrin
  • Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Laminin
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Receptors, LDL
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Collagen
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases