Ornamental Braiding (IMAGE) Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters Caption Figure: This image depicts the ornamental braiding (Pan Kou) for fastening the front of traditional Chinese clothing in watercolor, as an analogy of how cadherin/catenin complexes regulate the synapse maturation process. The fastening is an apparently symmetric structure that is intrinsically asymmetric, as the button (post-synaptic side) needs to pass through the loop on the other side (pre-synaptic side) in order to be secured. The intrinsic asymmetry is further emphasized by depicting the pre-synaptic cadherin/catenin complexes (top left) more ornate than the post-synaptic ones (bottom right). The synapse maturation process is outlined sequentially (far to near). Credit Image by Dr. LI Yefei Usage Restrictions None 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.