Professor Koh Jae-won of Yonsei’s Department of Biochemistry has published a joint research article with Dr. Uhm Ji-won in the online version of Trends in Cell Biology (Impact Factor 11.271), one of the most prestigious review journals in molecular and cell biology.  Appearing online August 2, the article, “LAR-RPTPs: synaptic adhesion molecules that shape synapse development,” will also be published in print form.  
Professor Koh’s and Dr. Uhm’s review article highlights the emerging role of Leukocyte common antigen-related receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (LAR-RPTPs) as synapse organizers in orchestrating synapse development.  The synapse is the most elementary operating unit in neurons, creating neural circuits that underlie all brain functions.  Synaptic adhesion molecules, such as LAR-RPTPs, then, initiate neuronal synapse connections, promote their stabilization and refinement, and control long-term synaptic plasticity.  While LAR-RPTPs have previously been implicated as essential elements in central nervous system development, recent studies have shown that LAR-RPTP family members are also involved in diverse synaptic functions, which include governing pre- and postsynaptic development.  The review also summarizes recent research on diseases and disorders that have been associated with dysfunctions of LAR-RPTP complexes.      
Professor Koh’s and Dr. Uhm’s research was sponsored by the Ministry of Science, ICT, and the Korea Research Foundation (through its Junior Researcher Support Foundation), as well as the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Global Science Training Program (Medi-Star) and Disease Focus Mediator Research.