@article{6091, abstract = {Cortical networks are characterized by sparse connectivity, with synapses found at only a subset of axo-dendritic contacts. Yet within these networks, neurons can exhibit high connection probabilities, suggesting that cell-intrinsic factors, not proximity, determine connectivity. Here, we identify ephrin-B3 (eB3) as a factor that determines synapse density by mediating a cell-cell competition that requires ephrin-B-EphB signaling. In a microisland culture system designed to isolate cell-cell competition, we find that eB3 determines winning and losing neurons in a contest for synapses. In a Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM) genetic mouse model system in vivo the relative levels of eB3 control spine density in layer 5 and 6 neurons. MADM cortical neurons in vitro reveal that eB3 controls synapse density independently of action potential-driven activity. Our findings illustrate a new class of competitive mechanism mediated by trans-synaptic organizing proteins which control the number of synapses neurons receive relative to neighboring neurons.}, author = {Henderson, Nathan T. and Le Marchand, Sylvain J. and Hruska, Martin and Hippenmeyer, Simon and Luo, Liqun and Dalva, Matthew B.}, journal = {eLife}, publisher = {eLife Sciences Publications}, title = {{Ephrin-B3 controls excitatory synapse density through cell-cell competition for EphBs}}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.41563}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, }