FGF ligands emerge as potential specifiers of synaptic identity.

Abstract

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of trillions of interconnected neurons. The specialised regions of intercellular contact between neurons where information, usually in chemical form, is transmitted are called synapses. The last decade has seen an unprecedented advance in our understanding of the molecular nature, formation and maintenance of synapses. A major question that remains is how synaptic identity is established to ensure the coordinated recruitment of the correct synaptic components on both sides of the synapse so that the neurotransmitter accumulating on the presynaptic side is matched with its cognate receptor on the postsynaptic membrane. Until recently, Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) have been thought of as general regulators of synaptic aptitude through their ability to increase the expression of synaptic proteins or promote neurite branching. A recent study shows that the decision to form an excitatory vs. inhibitory synapse may to a large extent be determined by the identity of the FGF ligand present at the postsynaptic membrane. This observation establishes FGFs as key target-derived cues that are involved in determining synaptic identity.