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Review

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 4, 833–841 (1 November 2003) | doi:10.1038/nrm1242

Some assembly required: the development of neuronal synapses

Zheng Li & Morgan Sheng

Neurons in the brain touch and communicate with each other at specialized contacts called synapses. So, how do these tiny intercellular junctions form during development? The assembly of neuronal synapses proceeds through several stages, and occurs with surprising speed. Recent biochemical, genetic and imaging studies are beginning to disclose the molecular mechanisms that underlie synapse formation, growth and maturation.