Synapses are regions where neurons meet and communicate. But how is their formation regulated in the developing and adult brain? As [Smith and Barres][1] explain in their Perspective, the answer could not be simpler. It turns out that, at least in the culture dish, a type of glial cell called an astrocyte produces the molecule cholesterol, which is taken up by neurons and then directs formation of synapses perhaps by regulating vital signaling pathways ([ Mauch et al .][2]). [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/294/5545/1296 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/294/5545/1354
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Barres et al. (2001) studied this question.