FBS Colloquia No.401KOKORO-Biology Group

Elucidation of the Role of Protocadherin Gamma C4 in Neuronal Development and Survival，Functions and Cooperative Roles of S-Type Protocadherin Diversity in Brain Development

Precise wiring of neural circuits and proper synapse formation constitute the foundation that underpins stable brain function. Each neuron possesses thousands of synapses, and mechanisms that accurately select synaptic partners are essential for information transmission. We focus on diverse cell-surface adhesion molecules as regulatory factors of these processes. In particular, clustered protocadherins (cPcdhs) comprise 58 isoforms in mouse, which are stochastically expressed in individual cells. Through this, they are thought to contribute to cell–cell recognition and self/non-self discrimination; however, the overall picture of their molecular functions remains to be fully elucidated. cPcdhs include stochastically expressed S-type isoforms and constitutively expressed C-type isoforms, and because of differences in their expression patterns and functions, they have often been discussed separately. Recently, however, our studies have begun to reveal that these isoforms may act cooperatively to suppress cell death and to shape neuronal morphology. In this colloquium, we will present and discuss the roles of cPcdhs in the establishment of brain function from the two perspectives of S-type and C-type, incorporating the latest findings.