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Neuromuscular Development

Connectivity and Plasticity

  • Chapter
Muscle Development in Drosophila

Part of the book series: Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit ((MBIU))

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Abstract

The Drosophila neuromuscular junction provides an excellent model system in which to study synaptic development. Axon outgrowth, target selection, and synaptogenesis have been extremely well characterized and occur with remarkable precision. Coupled with the powerful molecular genetic approaches available in Drosophila, this has lead to the identification of many genes involved in these processes. In this review, we examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of guidance, target selection and synaptogenesis at the neuromuscular junction. We will also discuss how these synaptic contacts are refined and modified during periods of synaptic plasticity.

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  1. Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, Yale University, P.O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticutt, 06520, USA

    Louise Nicholson & Haig Keshishian

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  1. Louise Nicholson
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  2. Haig Keshishian
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Correspondence to Haig Keshishian .

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Nicholson, L., Keshishian, H. (2006). Neuromuscular Development. In: Muscle Development in Drosophila. Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-32963-3_10

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