The Role of Sidekicks in Synaptic specificity

描述（由申请人提供）：我的主要目标是阐明神经元在精确靶向位置形成特定突触的机制。突触特异性的一个主要决定因素是板层特异性，即特定的轴突乔木对靶区域内特定板层的限制。在整个中枢神经系统中广泛和突出存在的层流特异性表明了其根本的重要性。Sanes实验室最近的工作提供了这样一个分子家族的线索，Sidekicks（Sdks）介导了视网膜中的这一发育过程。使用小鼠视网膜作为模型系统，我将使用细胞和遗传方法来功能测试的作用。我假设Sidekicks是特定层突触发生的决定因素。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): My broad goal is to elucidate mechanisms by which neurons form specific synapses at precisely targeted locations. One major determinant of synaptic specificity is laminar specificity, the restriction of particular axonal arbors to specific laminae within the target area. The widespread and prominent presence of laminar specificity throughout the central nervous system is indicative of its fundamental importance. Recent work from the Sanes laboratory provided clues that one such family of molecules, Sidekicks (Sdks), mediate this developmental process in the retina. Using the mouse retina as a model system, I will use cellular and genetic approaches to functionally test the role of Sdks. I hypothesize that Sidekicks are determinants of lamina- specific synaptogenesis.