How does a neuron decide when and where to make a synapse?
A study of brain wiring through live observation in Drosophila
Brain wiring occurs with great precision and reproducibility, yet most neurons have the ability to form synapses with incorrect partners. This phenomenon, known as synaptic promiscuity, still leads to precise outcomes, but also ensures flexibility and robustness of development and suggests the presence of developmental mechanisms that ensure correct neuronal connections based on promiscuous synapse formation. The EU-funded SynPromiscuity project is building upon previous work that demonstrated the importance of time, location and interaction kinetics for the specificity of synaptic contacts between neurons. In this project, researchers will assess how genetic and non-genetic factors impact neuronal connections in the developing brain of the fruit fly Drosophila. Results will provide fundamental knowledge on brain development with clinical implications for neurodevelopmental diseases.
More information on ‘Synaptic Promiscuity in Brain Development’ in our 2024 review article of the same title:
Synaptic promiscuity in brain development. Wolterhoff N, Hiesinger PR. Curr Biol. 2024 Feb 5;34(3):R102-R116. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.037. (open access)
Latest Publication (Science 2024, free full text link):
For further information and contact details, visit the Hiesinger Lab and the Research Consortium RobustCircuit.