Synapses are specialized cell-cell junctions that underlie the function of neural circuits by mediating communication between neurons. Both the formation and function of synapses require tight coordination of signaling between pre- and post-synaptic neurons. Trans-synaptic organizing molecules are important mediators of such signaling. Here we discuss how the EphB and ephrin-B families of trans-synaptic organizing proteins direct synapse formation during early development and regulate synaptic function and plasticity at mature synapses. Finally, we highlight recent evidence linking the synaptic organizing role of EphBs and ephrin-Bs to diseases of maladaptive synaptic function and plasticity.

突触是专门的细胞与细胞连接，通过介导神经元之间的通信而成为神经回路功能的基础。突触的形成和功能都需要突触前和突触后神经元之间信号传导的紧密协调。跨突触组织分子是此类信号传导的重要介质。在这里，我们讨论跨突触组织蛋白的 EphB 和 ephrin-B 家族如何在早期发育过程中指导突触形成并调节成熟突触的突触功能和可塑性。最后，我们强调最近的证据，将 EphB 和 ephrin-B 的突触组织作用与适应不良的突触功能和可塑性疾病联系起来。