DISCOVERED A SYNAPTIC ROLE FOR FASCICLIN
II
Ashley’s research group have identified the molecular mechanism responsible for the effects of Fasciclin II (FAS-II) on synaptic remodelling at the neuromuscolar junction of Drosophila larvae (Fasciclin II signals new synapse formation through amyloid precursor protein and the scaffolding protein dX11/Mint. J. Neurosci. 25, 5943-5955, 2005).
FAS-II is a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell-adhesion molecules (CAM).
CAM have a central role, but their mechanisms of action have long remained enigmatic. FAS-II is involved with APPL and X11 in a signal transduction pathway that regulates synaptic remodelling.