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.
- Poon VY, Klassen MP, Shen K. (2008) UNC-6/netrin and its receptor UNC-5 locally exclude presynaptic components from dendrites. Nature. 455(7213):669-73.
- Congratulations on Miri's new job at San Jose State University.
- Congratulations on Daniel's new job at Yale University.
- Chao DL, Shen K. (2008) Functional dissection of SYG-1 and SYG-2, cell adhesion molecules required for selective synaptogenesis in C. elegans. Mol Cell Neurosci. 39(2):248-57.
- Allen PB, Sgro AE, Chao DL, Doepker BE, Scott Edgar J, Shen K, Chiu DT. (2008) Single-synapse ablation and long-term imaging in live C. elegans. J Neurosci Methods. 173(1):20-6.
- Margeta MA, Shen K, Grill B. (2008) Building a synapse: lessons on synaptic specificity and presynaptic assembly from the nematode C. elegans. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 18(1):69-76.
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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.