Abstract
Stereotypic dendrite arborizations are key morphological features of neuronal identity, as the size, shape and location of dendritic trees determine the synaptic input fields and how information is integrated within developed neural circuits. In this review, we focus on the actions of extrinsic intercellular communication factors and their effects on intrinsic developmental processes that lead to dendrite patterning. Surrounding neurons or supporting cells express adhesion receptors and secreted proteins that respectively, act via direct contact or over short distances to shape, size, and localize dendrites during specific developmental stages. The different ligand-receptor interactions and downstream signaling events appear to direct dendrite morphogenesis by converging on two categorical mechanisms: local cytoskeletal and adhesion modulation and global transcriptional regulation of key dendritic growth components, such as lipid synthesis enzymes. Recent work has begun to uncover how the coordinated signaling of multiple extrinsic factors promotes complexity in dendritic trees and ensures robust dendritic patterning.
Highlights
DENDRITIC FORMS FOLLOW FUNCTIONSNeurons form complex yet stereotyped branching dendritic arbors, which receive and process information from other neurons
To form stereotypic dendritic arbors, neurons endowed with specific intrinsic properties, such as cell-type-specific transcription programs, must respond appropriately to extrinsic factors to properly execute dendritic morphogenesis during development
Studies over the past decades have uncovered a broad range of extrinsic factors, including morphogens, growth factors and adhesive receptors, that are provided by afferents or surrounding cells to affect various aspects of dendritic growth and patterning
Summary
DENDRITIC FORMS FOLLOW FUNCTIONSNeurons form complex yet stereotyped branching dendritic arbors, which receive and process information from other neurons. Surrounding neurons or supporting cells express adhesion receptors and secreted proteins that respectively, act via direct contact or over short distances to shape, size, and localize dendrites during specific developmental stages. The different ligand-receptor interactions and downstream signaling events appear to direct dendrite morphogenesis by converging on two categorical mechanisms: local cytoskeletal and adhesion modulation and global transcriptional regulation of key dendritic growth components, such as lipid synthesis enzymes.
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