Molecular mechanisms of CNS synaptogenesis

Synapses of the mammalian CNS are asymmetric sites of cell–cell adhesion between nerve cells. They are designed to mediate the rapid and efficient transmission of signals from the presynaptic bouton of one neuron to the postsynaptic plasma membrane of a second neuron. Significant progress has been made in the characterization of the structural, functional and developmental assembly of CNS synapses. Recent progress has been made in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie synaptogenesis, in particular that of glutamatergic synapses of the CNS. Our understanding of the formation of active zones, presynaptic sites of vesicle release, has advanced significanlty following exciting developments over the past year.