Alternative Splicing of Presynaptic Neurexins Differentially Controls Postsynaptic NMDA and AMPA Receptor Responses (Neuron)

Alternative splicing of presynaptic neurexin-1 and -3 at splice site 4 is shown to regulate the receptor composition of excitatory synapses. Neurexin-1-SS4+ increases NMDA receptor responses, whereas neurexin-3-SS4+ suppresses AMPA receptor responses. Thus, presynaptic neurexin alternative splicing shapes the postsynaptic glutamate receptor composition.