Abstract：
Neuronal synaptic junctions connect neurons to enable neuronal signal transmission in the nervous system. The proper establishment of synaptic connections required many adhesion molecules. Malfunctions of these adhesion molecules can result in neural development disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders. How specific synapses are established by various adhesion molecules for proper neural circuitry is a fundamental question of neuroscience. SynCAMs, also named CADMs, Necl, etc., are among the many adhesion proteins found in synapses. Here, we review the current understanding of the physical properties of SynCAMs and their roles in axon pathfinding, myelination, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. In addition, we discuss the involvement of SynCAMs in neuropsychiatric disorders. Finally, we propose that SynCAM functions can be better viewed and understood from the perspective of orientational cell adhesions (OCAs). In particular, we discuss the possibilities of how SynCAMs can be regulated at the cell-type specific expression, transcription variants, posttranslational modification, and subcellular localization to modulate the diversity of SynCAMs as OCA molecules. Being major components of the synapses, SynCAMs continue to be an important research topic of neuroscience, and many outstanding questions are waiting to be answered.
摘要：
神经元突触连接连接神经元以实现神经系统中的神经元信号传递。突触连接的正确建立需要许多粘附分子。这些粘附分子的功能异常可导致神经发育障碍和神经精神障碍。各种粘附分子如何为适当的神经回路建立特定的突触是神经科学的基本问题。SynCAM,也被称为CADM，Necl,等。,是在突触中发现的许多粘附蛋白之一。这里,我们回顾了目前对SynCAM的物理特性及其在轴突寻路中的作用的理解，髓鞘形成,突触发生,和突触可塑性。此外,我们讨论了SynCAM在神经精神疾病中的参与。最后,我们建议从定向细胞粘附（OCA）的角度可以更好地查看和理解SynCAM功能。特别是,我们讨论了如何在细胞类型特异性表达时调节SynCAM的可能性，转录变体，翻译后修饰，和亚细胞定位来调节SynCAM作为OCA分子的多样性。作为突触的主要组成部分，SynCAM仍然是神经科学的重要研究课题，许多悬而未决的问题正在等待回答。
