Information processing in the nervous system relies on properly localized and organized synaptic structures at the correct locations. The formation of synapses is a long and intricate process involving multiple interrelated steps. Decades of research have identified a large number of molecular components of the presynaptic compartment. In addition to neurotransmitter-containing synaptic vesicles, presynaptic terminals are defined by cytoskeletal and membrane specializations that allow highly regulated exo- and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles and that maintain precise registration with postsynaptic targets. Functional studies at multiple levels have revealed complex interactions between the transport of vesicular intermediates, the presynaptic cytoskeleton, growth cone navigation, and synaptic targets. With the advent of finer anatomical, physiological, and molecular tools, great insights have been gained toward the mechanistic dissection of functionally redundant processes controlling the specificity and dynamics of synapses. This review highlights the recent findings pertaining to the cellular and molecular regulation of presynaptic differentiation.

中文翻译：

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突触前分化的分子机制。

神经系统中的信息处理依赖于正确位置的正确定位和组织的突触结构。突触的形成是一个漫长而复杂的过程，涉及多个相互关联的步骤。数十年来的研究已经确定了突触前区室的大量分子成分。除了含有神经递质的突触小泡以外，突触前的末端还通过细胞骨架和膜的专一性来定义，它们可以高度调节突触小泡的胞外和内吞作用，并保持与突触后靶标的精确配准。多个级别的功能研究表明，水泡中间体的运输，突触前细胞骨架，生长锥导航和突触靶标之间存在复杂的相互作用。随着更精细的解剖学的出现，生理和分子工具，已经获得了对功能冗余过程控制突触的特异性和动力学的机械解剖的深刻见解。这篇综述强调了有关突触前分化的细胞和分子调控的最新发现。