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Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle

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Open Access 01-03-2012 | Review

Molecular control of neuromuscular junction development

Authors: Elisabetta Ferraro, Francesca Molinari, Libera Berghella

Published in: Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Skeletal muscle innervation is a multi-step process leading to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) apparatus formation. The transmission of the signal from nerve to muscle occurs at the NMJ level. The molecular mechanism that orchestrates the organization and functioning of synapses is highly complex, and it has not been completely elucidated so far. Neuromuscular junctions are assembled on the muscle fibers at very precise locations called end plates (EP). Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusterization at the end plates is required for an accurate synaptic transmission. This review will focus on some mechanisms responsible for accomplishing the correct distribution of AChRs at the synapses. Recent evidences support the concept that a dual transcriptional control of AChR genes in subsynaptic and extrasynaptic nuclei is crucial for AChR clusterization. Moreover, new players have been discovered in the agrin–MuSK pathway, the master organizer of postsynaptical differentiation. Mutations in this pathway cause neuromuscular congenital disorders. Alterations of the postynaptic apparatus are also present in physiological conditions characterized by skeletal muscle wasting. Indeed, recent evidences demonstrate how NMJ misfunctioning has a crucial role at the onset of age-associated sarcopenia.

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Title: Molecular control of neuromuscular junction development
Authors: Elisabetta Ferraro
Francesca Molinari
Libera Berghella
Publication date: 01-03-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 2190-5991
Electronic ISSN: 2190-6009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13539-011-0041-7

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