We are interested in understanding how neurons choose their synaptic partners among contacting cells, how neurons pattern their synaptic connections and how various presynaptic proteins assembly into functional presynaptic terminals. We use both nematode C. elegans and mouse as model organisms to study these questions.
- Colón-Ramos DA, Shen K. (2008) Cellular conductors: glial cells as guideposts during neural circuit development. PLoS Biol. 6:e112.
- Feinberg EH, Vanhoven MK, Bendesky A, Wang G, Fetter RD, Shen K, Bargmann CI. (2008). GFP Reconstitution Across Synaptic Partners (GRASP) defines cell contacts and synapses in living nervous systems. Neuron 57:353-63.
- Klassen MP and Shen, K. (2007). A Wnt signaling pathway inhibits synapse formation in C. elegans. Cell 130:704-716.
- Ding M, Chao DL, Wang G, Shen, K. (2007). Spatial Regulation of an E3 Ubiqitin Ligase Specifies Neuronal Connectivity Through Synapse Elimination. Science 317:947-951.
- Colón-Ramos DA, Margeta M and Shen, K. (2007). UNC-6/netrin patterns synapse formation through UNC-40/DCC in C. elegans interneuron AIY. Science 318:103-106.
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Wnts shape synaptic circuitry through inhibiting synapse formation and determining the subcellular distribution of synapses.
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Immunoglobulin Superfamily proteins SYG-1/IrreC/NEPH1 and SYG-2/SNS/Nephrin define synaptic location and synaptic partner choice of HSNL neurons in C. elegans.
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Spatial regulation of an E3 ubiqitin ligase specifies neuronal connectivity through selective synapse elimination.
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UNC-40/DCC induces synapse formation in response to a local source of UNC-6/netrin.
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NEPH/Nephrin proteins regulate connectivity in the vertebrate nervous system.