Selecting synaptic partners: GRASPing the role of UNC-6etrin

摘要

Forming synaptic connections of the appropriate strength between specific neurons is crucial for constructing neural circuits to control behavior. A recent paper in Neural Development describes the use of a synapse-specific label in Caenorhabditis elegans to implicate local UNC-6etrin signaling in this developmental process. Thus, as well as their well known roles in cell migration and axon guidance, UNC-6etrin signals distinguish an appropriate synaptic partner from other potential targets. See Research article: http://www.neuraldevelopment.com/content/6/1/28