Synaptogenesis

Question 1

3 requirements for a functional synapse

Answer 1

1. Correct receptors expressed
2. Correct number of synapses made
3. Correct location

Question 2

3 steps in NMJ formation

Answer 2

1. Motor axon differentiates into motor nerve terminal at contact point
2. Schwann cells cap the junction
3. Muscle forms post synaptic apparatus

Question 3

Which 2 things dictates synaptic sites

Answer 3

1. Site availability

2. Adhesion molecules (pre-prepared sites)

Question 4

What does clustering involve?

Answer 4

1. Redistribution of AchR proteins

2. Localised synaptic synthesis of AchRs

Question 5

What does Agrin binding to MUSK cause?

Answer 5

Musk signals to Rapsyn
Rapsyn proteins cluster
Causes AchR to cluster

Question 6

What changes occur in the maturation of the post synaptic membrane

Answer 6

Shape
Topography
ECM
Molecular partitioning

Question 7

What do growth cones express during differentiation?

Answer 7

Frizzled
FGFR2
Neurexin

Question 8

What do granule cells (post syn) express during differentiation?

Answer 8

Wnt7a
FGF22
Neuroligin

Question 9

What are the 4 stages in synaptic refinement

Answer 9

Loss
Focusing
Transmitter choice
Turning on synapses