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.
- Maro GS, Shen K, Cheng HJ. (2009) Deal breaker: semaphorin and specificity in the spinal stretch reflex circuit. Neuron. 16;63(1):8-11.
- Patel MR, Shen K. (2009) Neurite extension: starting at the finish line. Cell. 17;137(2):207-9.
- Chao DL, Ma L, Shen K. (2009) Transient cell-cell interactions in neural circuit formation. Nat Rev Neurosci. 10(4):262-71. Review.
- Patel MR, Shen K. (2009) RSY-1 is a local inhibitor of presynaptic assembly in C. elegans. Science.13;323(5920):1500-3.
- Maro GS, Klassen MP, Shen K. (2009) A beta-catenin-dependent Wnt pathway mediates anteroposterior axon guidance in C. elegans motor neurons. PLoS One. 4(3):e4690.
- Klassen MP, Shen K. (2009) The curious case of a wandering kinase: CaMKII spreads the wealth? Neuron. 12;61(3):331-2.
- Margeta MA, Wang GJ, Shen K. (2009) Clathrin adaptor AP-1 complex excludes multiple postsynaptic receptors from axons in C. elegans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 3;106(5):1632-7.
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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.