Stochastic growth and ligand–receptor interaction-mediated stabilization generate stereotyped dendritic arbors

Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 04 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02278-0

Stereotyped dendritic arbors arise from stochastic growth and selective stabilization of dendritic branches. Two pools of guidance receptor are required. Ligand-free receptors drive stochastic growth while ligand-bound receptors stabilize branches.