Dynamic regulation of neurotransmitter specification: Relevance to nervous system homeostasis

During nervous system development the neurotransmitter identity changes and coexpression of several neurotransmitters is a rather generalized feature of developing neurons. In the mature nervous system, different physiological and pathological circumstances recreate this phenomenon. The rules of neurotransmitter respecification are multiple. Among them, the goal of assuring balanced excitability appears as an important driving force for the modifications in neurotransmitter phenotype expression. The functional consequences of these dynamic revisions in neurotransmitter identity span a varied range, from fine-tuning the developing neural circuit to modifications in addictive and locomotor behaviors. Current challenges include determining the mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter phenotype respecification and how they intersect with genetic programs of neuronal specialization.This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity’.

► Neurotransmitter specification is dynamic in the developing and adult nervous system.
► Changes in neurotransmitter phenotype expression follow a homeostatic paradigm.
► Neurotransmitter respecification is crucial for the establishment of refined circuits.
► Plasticity of neurotransmitter phenotype expression underlies adaptive behaviors.