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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and “Neuron Ball” Culture
Published on: August 2, 2019
Active zone assembly and synaptic release
R J Kittel1, S Hallermann, S Thomsen
1European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen, Grisebachstrasse 5, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Neurotransmitter release at chemical synapses occurs when synaptic vesicles fuse to the presynaptic membrane at a specialized site termed the active zone. The depolarization-induced fusion is highly dependent on calcium ions, and, correspondingly, the transmission characteristics of synapses are thought to be influenced by the spatial arrangement of voltage-gated calcium channels with respect to vesicle release sites. Here, we review the involvement of the Drosophila Bruchpilot (BRP) protein in active zone assembly, a process that is required for the clustering of presynaptic calcium channels to ensure efficient vesicle release.
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