First published online October 28, 2005
Development 132, 2205e (2005)
© The Company of Biologists Limited
Eyeing up interneuron connections
Establishing precise synaptic connections is crucial for the proper
functioning of the central nervous system, but how interneurons establish
contact is poorly understood. Godinho and co-workers now report that, in
zebrafish retina, the neurites of amacrine cells – a class of retinal
interneuron – target specific synaptic layers, or sublaminae, within the
inner plexiform layer (IPL) early in development (see
p. 5069). By
following labelled zebrafish amacrine cells in vivo, the researchers show that
migrating amacrine cells form neurites in all directions. However, on reaching
the IPL, the neurites that extend towards the ganglion cell layer are
relatively more stable. Importantly, the neurites of the developing
interneurons ramify only in the inner or outer IPL, regions that develop into
different sublaminae – many other neurons initially ramify throughout
the IPL before remodelling. This selective elaboration indicates the presence
of sublamina-specific cues, which possibly occur through direct cell-cell
interactions.
Related articles in Development:
- Targeting of amacrine cell neurites to appropriate synaptic laminae in the developing zebrafish retina
- Leanne Godinho, Jeff S. Mumm, Philip R. Williams, Eric H. Schroeter, Amy Koerber, Seung W. Park, Steven D. Leach, and Rachel O. L. Wong
Development 2005 132: 5069-5079.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
