The synaptic cleft and the structural integrity between pre- and postsynaptic terminals are maintained through specific trans-synaptic cell adhesion molecules.
The retrieved literature consistently supports the claim that synaptic adhesion molecules (such as neurexins, LRR-containing proteins, and dystroglycan) are responsible for establishing, bridging, and maintaining the structural architecture of the synaptic cleft. Multiple papers detail how these specific molecular interactions link pre- and postsynaptic compartments. Therefore, the verdict is SUPPORTED.