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Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient
Published on: September 3, 2014
The role of synapsins in neuronal development
Eugenio F Fornasiero1, Dario Bonanomi, Fabio Benfenati
1San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|December 26, 2009
Summary
Synapsins are key phosphoproteins regulating neuronal development and function. This review details their roles in neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and synaptic transmission, highlighting their evolutionary conservation and interactions within nerve terminals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Synapsins are the first identified synaptic vesicle-specific proteins.
- They are phosphorylated by various protein kinases and play roles in neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and synaptic transmission.
- The mammalian synapsin family comprises at least 10 isoforms from 3 genes, featuring conserved and variable domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the main functional features of synapsins.
- To elucidate the complex role of synapsins in neuronal development.
- To highlight the evolutionary conservation and molecular interactions of synapsins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on synapsins.
- Analysis of synapsin structure, function, and evolutionary conservation.
- Examination of synapsin interactions with presynaptic proteins and the actin cytoskeleton.
Main Results:
- Synapsins are highly conserved across species, with orthologues found in invertebrates and lower vertebrates.
- Within nerve terminals, synapsins interact with presynaptic proteins and the actin cytoskeleton.
- These interactions are crucial for controlling mechanisms vital to neuronal homeostasis and development.
Conclusions:
- Synapsins are essential phosphoproteins with diverse functions in neuronal development and homeostasis.
- Their evolutionary conservation underscores their fundamental importance in nervous system function.
- Understanding synapsin interactions provides insights into neuronal plasticity and development.
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