Analysis of the functional role of synaptic adhesion molecules in mouse neurons [Elektronische Ressource] / vorgelegt von Kim Nadine Pielarski

Analysis of the functional role of synaptic adhesion molecules in mouse neurons Inaugural-Dissertation zur Erlangung des Doktorgrades der Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf vorgelegt von Kim Nadine Pielarski aus Essen Düsseldorf, Oktober 2010 aus dem Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf Gedruckt mit der Genehmigung der Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf Referent: Prof. Dr. K. Gottmann Koreferent: Prof. Dr. C. Rose Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: Abstract Sophisticated information processing in the brain requires highly specified neuronal circuits. Besides selective synapse formation, the specific elimination of inappropriate synapses is crucial for the complex wiring of unique networks. Based on its homophilic binding properties, matching pre- and postsynaptic N-cadherin is proposed to be a key player in synaptic recognition. Accordingly, the asymmetric expression of N-cadherin might be pivotal in the selective elimination of synapses. To experimentally address this hypothesis, single ES cell-derived neurons deficient for N-cadherin (Ncad-/-) were transfected with N-cadherin, leading to its expression postsynaptically.