A decade of progress in understanding LRRTM and Slitrk synaptic cell-adhesion molecules

Abstract

For over a decade, synaptic cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs) have been recognized as fundamental determinants of neural circuit specificity and diversity. Among the CAMs, leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing transmembrane proteins have been established as crucial regulators of synaptic properties across diverse cell-types and brain regions. This minireview focuses on two families of LRR-containing CAMs: leucine-rich repeat transmembrane proteins (LRRTMs) and the Slit and Trk-like family (Slitrks). We provide a comprehensive synthesis of significant findings on LRRTMs and Slitrks since their initial characterization more than 15 years ago. Furthermore, we outline key unresolved questions to stimulate future studies on their functional mechanisms in neural circuit assembly and their pathophysiological roles in various neurological disorders.