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Role of NCAM in Spine Dynamics and Synaptogenesis

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Structure and Function of the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule NCAM

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 663))

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that adhesion molecules are critically involved in the regulation of mechanisms of synaptic plasticity including synapse formation, and also synaptic remodeling associated with changes in synaptic strength. Among these, the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) and its polysialylated form PSA-NCAM are important candidates. Here, we review recent results that point to a possible role of these two molecules in regulating the structural properties of excitatory synapses - namely, the composition and stability of the postsynaptic density - thereby accounting for their contribution to mechanisms of synaptogenesis and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity.

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Muller, D., Mendez, P., DeRoo, M., Klauser, P., Steen, S., Poglia, L. (2010). Role of NCAM in Spine Dynamics and Synaptogenesis. In: Berezin, V. (eds) Structure and Function of the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule NCAM. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 663. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1170-4_16

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