Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
14:28
Utilizing Combined Methodologies to Define the Role of Plasma Membrane Delivery During Axon Branching and Neuronal Morphogenesis
Published on: March 16, 2016
Compartmentalizing the neuronal plasma membrane from axon initial segments to synapses
Zofia M Lasiecka1, Chan Choo Yap, Max Vakulenko
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|January 6, 2009
Summary
Neurons precisely compartmentalize membrane proteins to specific areas like axons and synapses. This localization is crucial for neuronal function and involves multiple cellular mechanisms working together.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neurons exhibit remarkable spatial organization, with membrane proteins localized to distinct subcellular domains such as axons, dendrites, synapses, and axon initial segments.
- This compartmentalization is essential for the complex functioning of neurons and the directional signaling within neuronal circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cellular mechanisms responsible for the spatial segregation of membrane proteins within the neuronal plasma membrane.
- To discuss the molecular underpinnings and functional contributions of these mechanisms to protein targeting in neurons.
Main Methods:
- Review of cellular mechanisms including sorting and targeting in the Golgi/Trans-Golgi Network (TGN), endocytosis, recycling, degradation, and control of membrane protein diffusion.
- Analysis of the contribution of each mechanism to the targeting of proteins to specific neuronal compartments like axons, dendrites, synapses, axon initial segments, and Nodes of Ranvier.
Main Results:
- Multiple cellular mechanisms, including sorting, endocytosis, recycling, and diffusion control, collectively contribute to the precise localization of membrane proteins.
- These mechanisms operate additively to ensure accurate protein distribution across various neuronal domains.
Conclusions:
- The precise localization of membrane proteins is achieved through the coordinated action of multiple cellular mechanisms.
- Disruptions in protein distribution can lead to impaired neuronal function and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding these localization processes.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Neurons: The Axon
Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
01:26Fusion of Secretory Vesicles with the Plasma Membrane
Proteins and neurotransmitters in secretory vesicles can be released from a cell upon vesicle docking, priming, and fusion with the plasma membrane. Vesicles are docked and primed in preparation for the quick exocytosis of their contents in response to a stimulus. The fusion process is mainly carried out by a SNAP Receptor or SNARE complex, consisting of synaptobrevin, syntaxin-1, and SNAP-25.
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
01:41Action Potentials
Overview
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.