ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Role of cell adhesions in neural development

Okay kiddo, so you know that your body is made up of millions of tiny building blocks called cells, right? Well, your brain is also made up of these cells which we call neurons. Now, in order for your brain to function properly, these neurons need to connect with each other to create networks.

This is where cell adhesions come in. Think of cell adhesions like the glue that helps hold these neurons together. They are like little stickers that neurons use to stick to each other and form a strong bond. With these bonds, neurons can communicate with each other and transfer information.

Imagine you are building a tower with blocks. The higher you go, the more unstable the tower becomes. But when you use special blocks that have grooves and notches, they fit together securely and make a strong foundation. This makes your tower more stable and it won’t fall down easily. In the same way, cell adhesions help neurons to build strong connections and create complex networks in the brain.

In the early stages of development, the brain is like a blank canvas. The neurons grow out and search for other neurons to connect with. They use cell adhesions to bond with each other and create a strong network. This process is called neurite outgrowth. As these connections become stronger, the neurons become specialized and start performing specific functions.

So, cell adhesions play a vital role in neural development. They help neurons to form connections with each other, create strong networks, and specialize into different functions. Without them, our brain wouldn't be able to function properly.