The Developing Synapse: Construction and Modulation of Synaptic Structures and Circuits

Cohen-Cory, Susana

Mental Retardation Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

Present address: Department of Neurology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.

Science 298(5594):p 770-776, October 25, 2002.

Synapse formation and stabilization in the vertebrate central nervous system is a dynamic process, requiring bi-directional communication between pre- and postsynaptic partners. Numerous mechanisms coordinate where and when synapses are made in the developing brain. This review discusses cellular and activity-dependent mechanisms that control the development of synaptic connectivity.