Structural basis for integration of GluD receptors within synaptic organizer complexes

TLDR

Glutamate receptors on neuronal cells mediate electrical signaling at excitatory synapses, which are essential for most cognitive functions. The authors analyzed a synaptic bridge complex composed of presynaptic β‑neurexin 1, synaptic organizer cerebellin 1, and postsynaptic GluD2 receptor. Their structural and functional analysis elucidates how this complex mediates synaptic signaling. Published in Science (p.

Abstract

Transmitting signals across the synapse Glutamate receptors located on neuronal cells play a role in mediating electrical signals at excitatory synapses. These glutamatergic synapses are extremely important for nearly all cognitive functions. Elegheert et al. analyzed a complex that bridges the synapse, comprising β-neurexin 1, a cell adhesion molecule on the surface of presynaptic axons; cerebellin 1, a synaptic organizer; and the postsynaptic glutamate receptor GluD2. The structural and functional analysis provides insight into the mechanism of synaptic signaling. Science , this issue p. 295