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Related Concept Videos

The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

Integration of Synaptic Events

Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...
Long-term Potentiation01:25

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Long-term Potentiation01:35

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond
08:08

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond

Published on: June 24, 2015

Pumping up the synapse.

Peter Penzes1

  • 1Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. p-penzes@northwestern.edu <p-penzes@northwestern.edu>

Neuron
|December 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

The KCC2 pump regulates excitatory synapse maturation, crucial for brain wiring. This finding links KCC2 to coordinated inhibitory and excitatory synapse development, potentially impacting neurodevelopmental disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Synaptic Plasticity
  • Developmental Neurobiology

Background:

  • Coordinated maturation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses is essential for proper brain development.
  • Dysregulation of synaptic maturation is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder.
  • The KCC2 cotransporter plays a known role in the developmental switch of GABAergic inhibitory synapses.

Discussion:

  • This study reveals a previously unknown function of the KCC2 pump in the maturation of excitatory synapses.
  • KCC2's role extends beyond inhibitory synapse development to influence excitatory synapse maturation, specifically targeting spiny excitatory synapses.
  • This dual role suggests KCC2 is a key regulator in the synchronized development of both major synapse types.

Key Insights:

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3D Modeling of Dendritic Spines with Synaptic Plasticity

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  • Identified a novel role for the KCC2 pump in regulating spiny excitatory synapse maturation.
  • Demonstrated KCC2's involvement in the coordinated maturation of both inhibitory and excitatory synapses.
  • Provides a molecular link between KCC2 function and the synchronized development critical for neural circuit formation.

Outlook:

  • Further investigation into KCC2's mechanisms in excitatory synapse regulation is warranted.
  • Understanding KCC2's role may offer new therapeutic targets for neurodevelopmental disorders associated with synaptic dysfunction.
  • This discovery opens new avenues for research into the complex interplay governing excitatory and inhibitory synapse development.