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SYD-1 Promotes Multiple Developmental Steps Leading to Neuronal Connectivity

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Abstract

The establishment of neuronal connectivity requires precise orchestration of multiple developmental steps, including axon specification, axon guidance, selection of synaptic target sites, and development of synaptic specializations. Although these are separate developmental steps, evidence indicates that some of the signaling molecules that regulate these steps are shared. In this review, we focus on SYD-1, a RhoGAP-like protein that has been implicated in each step of axonal development. We discuss interactions between SYD-1, UNC-40(DCC) and RhoGTPases and highlight both similarities and differences in how SYD-1 functions to regulate the different steps of axonal development. These observations reveal an example of how a signaling protein can be repurposed across sequential developmental steps.

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Acknowledgements

Work on SYD-1 in axon guidance has been supported by the following grants to CCQ: NIH R03NS091983, NIH R03NS081361, and a Shaw Scientist Award from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. YX has been supported by a Research Foundation Fellowship and a Research Growth Initiative grant #101X263 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to CCQ.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA

    Yan Xu & Christopher C. Quinn

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  1. Yan Xu
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Correspondence to Christopher C. Quinn.

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Xu, Y., Quinn, C.C. SYD-1 Promotes Multiple Developmental Steps Leading to Neuronal Connectivity. Mol Neurobiol 53, 6768–6773 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-015-9592-5

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