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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Preparation of Synaptoneurosomes from Mouse Cortex using a Discontinuous Percoll-Sucrose Density Gradient
Published on: September 17, 2011
Presynaptic translation: stepping out of the postsynaptic shadow
Michael R Akins1, Hanna E Berk-Rauch, Justin R Fallon
1Department of Neuroscience, Brown University Providence, RI, USA.
Frontiers in Neural Circuits
|November 17, 2009
Summary
Local protein synthesis in the presynaptic terminal is crucial for long-term synaptic plasticity and the maintenance of new synapses. This process is vital for understanding nervous system structural changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- Synaptic plasticity relies on protein synthesis, with a significant portion occurring within the synapse.
- While postsynaptic protein synthesis is well-studied, presynaptic translation's role in neuronal function is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the significance and mechanisms of local protein synthesis in the presynaptic compartment.
- To highlight recent advancements and challenges in understanding presynaptic translation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protein synthesis in cultured neurons.
- Investigation of mRNA and protein localization in axons.
- Studies on Fragile X proteins' role in presynaptic translation.
Main Results:
- Presynaptic translation occurs at synapses with long-term plasticity.
- Local protein synthesis may maintain nascent synapses.
- Fragile X proteins and mRNAs for presynaptic proteins are found at the presynaptic site.
Conclusions:
- Presynaptic translation is an emerging area critical for synaptic function.
- Understanding local protein synthesis offers new insights into activity-dependent synaptic modifications.
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01:31Translation
Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
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Initiating translation is complex because it involves multiple molecules. Initiator tRNA, ribosomal subunits, and eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are all required to assemble on the initiation codon of mRNA. This process consists of several steps that are mediated by different eIFs.
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