Synaptic proteins and the assembly of synaptic junctions

Trends Cell Biol. 1996 Nov;6(11):429-33. doi: 10.1016/s0962-8924(96)10036-2.

Abstract

Synapses are highly specialized contact sites between neurons and their target cells where information in the form of chemical substances travels from a pre- to a postsynaptic cell. In the central nervous system of mammals, most nerve cells are innervated by functionally distinct types of synapses, each requiring a specific set of molecular constituents for proper function. Various molecular players that may be involved in the assembly of synaptic junctions have been identified recently.