Neurexins, Neuroligins and LRRTMs: synaptic adhesion getting fishy

摘要: Recent studies have identified the leucine rich repeat protein LRRTM2 as a post-synaptic ligand of Neurexins. Neurexins also bind adhesion molecules, Neuroligins. All three families genes been implicated in etiologies neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Does binding promiscuity now suggest complex cooperativity or redundancy at synapse? While recent primary neuronal cultures systematic extracellular interaction screens summative effects these systems, we propose that studying interactions developing zebrafish embryo larvae may shed more light on their functions during synaptogenesis vivo. These gene recently extensively characterized zebrafish, demonstrating high sequence conservation with human genes. The simpler circuitry together characterization expression patterns down to single, identifiable neurons ability knock-down over-express multiple rapid way lend themselves dissecting pathways. Furthermore, capability performing high-throughput drug suggests small vertebrates prove extremely useful identifying pharmacological approaches treating disorders.