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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
05:43
Preparing Retinal Organoid Samples for Transmission Electron Microscopy
Published on: June 7, 2024
An emerging view of presynaptic structure from electron microscopic studies.
Léa Siksou1, Antoine Triller, Serge Marty
1INSERM, U789, Paris, France.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|January 22, 2009
Summary
Synaptic vesicle recycling at presynaptic terminals is crucial for neurotransmitter release. Electron microscopy studies are revealing the sub-cellular organization supporting this vital vesicular traffic.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fast synaptic transmission relies on rapid fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane following calcium influx.
- Sustained neurotransmitter release necessitates regulated recycling of synaptic vesicles at presynaptic terminals.
- Efficient neurotransmission depends on the proximity of 'ready-to-release' vesicles to voltage-gated calcium channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review electron microscopy findings on the sub-cellular organization of presynaptic terminals.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying local vesicular traffic and recycling at nerve terminals.
Main Methods:
- Review of electron microscopy studies.
- Analysis of structural data from presynaptic terminals.
Main Results:
- Electron microscopy is beginning to unveil the structural organization of presynaptic terminals.
- Understanding the spatial arrangement of vesicles and release sites is key to synaptic function.
Conclusions:
- The sub-cellular organization supporting local vesicular traffic at presynaptic terminals is critical for synaptic transmission.
- Further investigation using advanced microscopy techniques is needed to fully understand presynaptic structure and function.
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