Stereotypic dendrite arborizations are key morphological features of neuronal identity, as the size, shape and location of dendritic trees determine the synaptic input fields and how information is integrated within developed neural circuits. In this review, we focus on the actions of extrinsic intercellular communication factors and their effects on intrinsic developmental processes that lead to dendrite patterning. Surrounding neurons or supporting cells express adhesion receptors and secreted proteins that respectively, act via direct contact or over short distances to shape, size, and localize dendrites during specific developmental stages. The different ligand-receptor interactions and downstream signaling events appear to direct dendrite morphogenesis by converging on two categorical mechanisms: local cytoskeletal and adhesion modulation and global transcriptional regulation of key dendritic growth components, such as lipid synthesis enzymes. Recent work has begun to uncover how the coordinated signaling of multiple extrinsic factors promotes complexity in dendritic trees and ensures robust dendritic patterning.

由于树突状树的大小，形状和位置决定了突触输入场以及信息如何在发达的神经回路中整合，定型树突状乔木是神经元身份的关键形态特征。在这篇综述中，我们重点研究外在细胞间通讯因子的作用及其对导致枝晶图案化的内在发育过程的影响。周围的神经元或支持细胞表达粘附受体和分泌的蛋白，它们分别起作用通过在特定的发育阶段，可以直接接触或短距离接触以形成形状，大小并定位枝晶。不同的配体-受体相互作用和下游信号转导事件似乎通过聚集在两个分类机制上来指导树突形态发生：局部细胞骨架和粘附调节以及关键树突生长成分（如脂质合成酶）的整体转录调控。最近的工作已开始揭示多种外部因素的协调信号传导如何提高树突树的复杂性并确保稳固的树突图案。