To build a synapse: signaling pathways in neuromuscular junction assembly

H Wu, WC Xiong, L Mei - Development, 2010 - journals.biologists.com
Development, 2010journals.biologists.com
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 …
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.
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