MDGA1 Suppresses Neuronal Synaptogenesis (IMAGE) Rockefeller University Press Caption A JCB study reveals that a neuronal protein linked to neurodevelopmental disorders suppresses the development of inhibitory synapses. MDGA1 disrupts the interaction between neuroligin-2 and neurexin-1, two synaptic cell adhesion molecules associated with autism and schizophrenia that promote inhibitory synapse development. In this co-culture assay, a neuron forms multiple presynapses (red) with a COS7 cell (right) expressing neuroligin-2 (blue) but only a few presynapses with a cell (left) coexpressing neuroligin-2 and MDGA1 (green). Credit Pettem, K.L., et al. 2013. <em>J. Cell Biol.</em> doi:10.1083/jcb.201206028 Usage Restrictions Reporters may freely use these materials in news coverage, with the appropriate credit information. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.