Title : Synaptic assembly of the brain in the absence of neurotransmitter secretion - Verhage_2000_Science_287_864 |
Author(s) : Verhage M , Maia AS , Plomp JJ , Brussaard AB , Heeroma JH , Vermeer H , Toonen RF , Hammer RE , van den Berg TK , Missler M , Geuze HJ , Sudhof TC |
Ref : Science , 287 :864 , 2000 |
Abstract :
Brain function requires precisely orchestrated connectivity between neurons. Establishment of these connections is believed to require signals secreted from outgrowing axons, followed by synapse formation between selected neurons. Deletion of a single protein, Munc18-1, in mice leads to a complete loss of neurotransmitter secretion from synaptic vesicles throughout development. However, this does not prevent normal brain assembly, including formation of layered structures, fiber pathways, and morphologically defined synapses. After assembly is completed, neurons undergo apoptosis, leading to widespread neurodegeneration. Thus, synaptic connectivity does not depend on neurotransmitter secretion, but its maintenance does. Neurotransmitter secretion probably functions to validate already established synaptic connections. |
PubMedSearch : Verhage_2000_Science_287_864 |
PubMedID: 10657302 |
Verhage M, Maia AS, Plomp JJ, Brussaard AB, Heeroma JH, Vermeer H, Toonen RF, Hammer RE, van den Berg TK, Missler M, Geuze HJ, Sudhof TC (2000)
Synaptic assembly of the brain in the absence of neurotransmitter secretion
Science
287 :864
Verhage M, Maia AS, Plomp JJ, Brussaard AB, Heeroma JH, Vermeer H, Toonen RF, Hammer RE, van den Berg TK, Missler M, Geuze HJ, Sudhof TC (2000)
Science
287 :864