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Research Highlights

Nature Reviews Neuroscience 9, 738–739 (1 October 2008) | doi:10.1038/nrn2502

Synaptic development: Safe retreat

Monica Hoyos Flight

Selective elimination of the excess synaptic connections that are established in the immature nervous system ensures precise connectivity of mature neuronal circuits. This process, which is known as axon pruning, generates cellular debris that is potentially neurotoxic.