Synapse formation and maintenance in adult brain : characterization of a new anterograde signal

记忆被认为是以突触的功能和形态变化的形式存储的。为了了解潜在的分子机制，我们重点研究了两个分子，δ2谷氨酸受体和Cbln1，这两个分子在小脑功能中发挥着重要作用，包括运动记忆。我们发现，从小脑颗粒细胞释放的Cbln1直接与δ-2受体的氨基末端结合，并调节突触的形成。此外，δ-2受体的羧基末端调节功能性突触可塑性的诱导。

Memories are believed to be stored as functional and morphological changes at synapses. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, we focused on two molecules, the δ2 glutamate receptor and Cbln1, which play essential roles in cerebellar functions, including motor memory. We found that Cbln1, released from cerebellar granule cells, binds directly to the amino terminus of the δ2 receptor and regulate synapse formation. Furthermore, the carboxyl terminus of the δ2 receptor regulates induction of functional synaptic plasticity.