Synaptic stabilization

This page describes the process of synapse stabilization mediated by cell adhesion molecules. To see related articles please see the pages on Synaptogenesis, Synaptic plasticity, Cell adhesion molecule, Development of the nervous system.

Synaptic stabilization is crucial in the developing and adult nervous systems and is considered a result of the late phase of long-term potentiation (LTP). The mechanism involves strengthening and maintaining active synapses through increased expression of cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix elements and postsynaptic scaffold proteins, while pruning less active ones. For example, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play a large role in synaptic maintenance and stabilization. Gerald Edelman discovered CAMs and studied their function during development, which showed CAMs are required for cell migration and the formation of the entire nervous system. In the adult nervous system, CAMs play an integral role in synaptic plasticity relating to learning and memory.

Synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play a crucial role in axon pathfinding and synaptic establishment between neurons during neurodevelopment and are integral members in many synaptic processes including the correct alignment of pre- and post-synaptic signal transduction pathways, vesicular recycling in regards to endocytosis and exocytosis, integration of postsynaptic receptors and anchoring to the cytoskeleton to ensure stability of synaptic components

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