The specification of glycinergic neurons and the role of glycinergic transmission in development

Abstract

Glycine's role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult vertebrate nervous system has been well characterized in a number of different model organisms. However, a full understanding of glycinergic transmission requires a knowledge of how glycinergic synapses emerge and the role of glycinergic signaling during development. Recent literature has provided a detailed picture of the developmental expression of many of the molecular components that comprise the glycinergic phenotype, namely the glycine transporters and the glycine receptor subunits; the transcriptional networks leading to the expression of this important neurotransmitter phenotype are also being elucidated. An equally important focus of research has revealed the critical role of glycinergic signaling in sculpting many different aspects of neural development. This review examines the current literature detailing the expression patterns of the components of the glycinergic phenotype in various vertebrate model organisms over the course of development and the molecular mechanisms governing the expression of the glycinergic phenotype. The review then surveys the recent work on the role of glycinergic signaling in the developing nervous system and concludes with an overview of areas for further research.

Impact of gold nanoparticles on brain of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni

“…Inhibitory glycinergic synapses are located predominantly in the spinal cord and brainstem (Chalphin and Saha 2010), and disruptions to their function increase the general level of excitability of motor neurons, thus accounting for neonatal hypertonia. Glrb is one of the adult walking behaviors which recorded high expression in the malarial brain (Desruisseaux et al 2010).…”

Chloride cotransporters, chloride homeostasis, and synaptic inhibition in the developing auditory system

“…A general review about glycinergic inhibitory transmission is provided by Legendre (2001). Other recent reviews worth reading that discuss the current literature on the expression patterns of the components of the glycinergic phenotype in various vertebrate neurons and the underlying mechanisms that govern the expression of this phenotype are provided by Lynch (2009) and Chalphin and Saha (2010).…”

Developmental regulation of glycine receptors at efferent synapses of the murine cochlea

“…GlyRa2 is known to be involved in the development of retinal and CNS neuronal networks (Chalphin and Saha 2010). Glycinergic neurotransmission via a2-containing GlyRs is excitatory in immature neurons.…”