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Related Concept Videos

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...
Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)01:32

Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)

Postsynaptic potential (PSP) refers to a change in the electrical potential of a neuron when neurotransmitters released by presynaptic neurons bind to postsynaptic receptors. This potential can either be excitatory, leading to depolarization and ultimately action potential generation, or inhibitory, leading to hyperpolarization and suppression of the postsynaptic neuron.
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
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...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A High-content Assay for Monitoring AMPA Receptor Trafficking
10:34

A High-content Assay for Monitoring AMPA Receptor Trafficking

Published on: January 28, 2019

PIP3 controls synaptic function by maintaining AMPA receptor clustering at the postsynaptic membrane.

Kristin L Arendt1, María Royo, Mónica Fernández-Monreal

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Nature Neuroscience
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Continuous synthesis of phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) is crucial for maintaining synaptic function by regulating AMPA receptors at the postsynaptic membrane. This phosphoinositide is essential for synaptic strength and AMPA receptor clustering.

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A High-content Assay for Monitoring AMPA Receptor Trafficking
10:34

A High-content Assay for Monitoring AMPA Receptor Trafficking

Published on: January 28, 2019

3D Modeling of Dendritic Spines with Synaptic Plasticity
07:13

3D Modeling of Dendritic Spines with Synaptic Plasticity

Published on: May 18, 2020

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology
10:52

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

Published on: April 23, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Phosphoinositides regulate intracellular signaling and membrane organization.
  • The role of phosphoinositides at the postsynaptic membrane is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) at the postsynaptic membrane.
  • To determine the necessity of PIP(3) for synaptic function in rat hippocampal neurons.

Main Methods:

  • Inhibition of PIP(3) synthesis in rat hippocampal neurons.
  • Direct quenching of PIP(3) at the postsynaptic cell.
  • Analysis of AMPA and NMDA receptor localization and mobility.
  • Assessment of PSD-95 accumulation in spines.

Main Results:

  • Continuous PIP(3) synthesis is essential for sustained synaptic function.
  • PIP(3) specifically affects synaptic AMPA receptors, not extrasynaptic AMPA or NMDA receptors.
  • PIP(3) downregulation impairs PSD-95 accumulation, increases AMPA receptor mobility, and leads to synaptic depression.

Conclusions:

  • A slow, constant turnover of PIP(3) is required for maintaining AMPA receptor clustering and synaptic strength.
  • PIP(3) plays a critical role in stabilizing postsynaptic structures and synaptic function under basal conditions.