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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:50
Use of Synaptic Zinc Histochemistry to Reveal Different Regions and Laminae in the Developing and Adult Brain
Published on: October 29, 2017
A role for zinc in postsynaptic density asSAMbly and plasticity?
Eckart D Gundelfinger1, Tobias M Boeckers, Marisa K Baron
1Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestrasse 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany. gundelfinger@ifn-magdeburg.de
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|June 24, 2006
Summary
Zinc ions (Zn2+) can instantly change the structure of the postsynaptic density, a key component in neuronal communication. This discovery offers a new perspective on how synaptic plasticity occurs in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chemical synapses facilitate neuronal communication.
- Shank proteins organize the postsynaptic density (PSD), a crucial structure at neuronal junctions.
- The Shank3 protein's sterile alpha-motif (SAM) domain is implicated in PSD organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Zn2+ ions in the assembly and function of Shank3 protein structures.
- To propose a novel mechanism for synaptic plasticity involving direct modulation of the PSD by Zn2+.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of Shank3 SAM domain's self-assembly properties.
- Investigating the effect of Zn2+ ions on Shank3 fiber formation.
- Examining the potential for Zn2+ to influence PSD structure and function in response to synaptic activity.
Main Results:
- The Shank3 SAM domain forms two-dimensional sheets of helical fibers.
- Zn2+ ions significantly enhance the assembly and packaging of these Shank3 fibers.
- Zn2+ can be released during synaptic transmission and enter postsynaptic neurons.
Conclusions:
- Zn2+ influx directly and rapidly modulates the postsynaptic density structure and function.
- This provides a new model for understanding synaptic plasticity.
- Highlights the critical role of Zn2+ as a signaling molecule in synaptic function.
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