Control of neural circuit formation by leucine-rich repeat proteins.

The function of neural circuits depends on the precise connectivity between populations of neurons. Increasing evidence indicates that disruptions in excitatory or inhibitory synapse formation or function lead to excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalances and contribute to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing surface proteins have emerged as key organizers of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Distinct LRR proteins are expressed in different cell types and interact with key pre- and postsynaptic proteins. These protein interaction networks allow LRR proteins to coordinate pre- and postsynaptic elements during synapse formation and differentiation, pathway-specific synapse development, and synaptic plasticity. LRR proteins thus play a critical role in organizing synaptic connections into functional neural circuits, and their dysfunction may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders.

神经回路的功能取决于神经元群体之间的精确连接。越来越多的证据表明，兴奋性或抑制性突触形成或功能的破坏会导致兴奋/抑制（E/I）失衡，并促成神经发育和精神疾病。富含亮氨酸重复序列（LRR）的表面蛋白已成为兴奋性和抑制性突触的关键组织者。不同的LRR蛋白在不同细胞类型中表达，并与关键的突触前和突触后蛋白相互作用。这些蛋白质相互作用网络使LRR蛋白在突触形成和分化、特定通路的突触发育以及突触可塑性过程中协调突触前和突触后元件。因此，LRR蛋白在将突触连接组织成功能性神经回路中起着关键作用，其功能失调可能导致神经精神疾病。