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Preparation of Synaptoneurosomes from Mouse Cortex using a Discontinuous Percoll-Sucrose Density Gradient
Published on: September 17, 2011
The synaptomatrix: a solid though dynamic contact disconnecting transmissions from exocytotic events
1Laboratory Oxidative Stress and Neuroprotection, The Max Mousseron Biomolecules Institute, UM2, CC090, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Cedex 05 Montpellier, Herault, France. jean.vautrin@univ-montp2.fr
Neurochemistry International
|May 18, 2010
Summary
The vesicular hypothesis for neurotransmitter (NT) release is challenged by new findings. A proposed synaptomatrix, formed by extracellular matrix glycoproteins, regulates NT solubility and fast synaptic transmission.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The vesicular hypothesis explains quantal neurotransmitter (NT) release, supported by NT presence in vesicles and exocytosis.
- However, some synaptic transmission properties challenge the model of vesicle fusion and NT diffusion across the synaptic cleft.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore alternative mechanisms of synaptic transmission beyond the classical vesicular hypothesis.
- To investigate the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and synaptomatrix in synaptic function.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on presynaptic exocytosis and ECM formation.
- Analysis of the involvement of vesicular glycoproteins in synaptic transmission.
- Examination of the synaptomatrix's role in regulating neurotransmitter solubility and plasticity.
Main Results:
- Presynaptic exocytosis shares characteristics with the general secretory pathway, delivering ECM components.
- Vesicular glycoproteins are incorporated into the transsynaptic ECM, forming a dynamic synaptomatrix.
- The synaptomatrix, remodeled by PKC, controls NT solubility in the synaptic cleft in a Ca(2+) entry-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- The synaptomatrix is crucial for fast synaptic transmission by modulating NT solubility.
- This model expands our understanding of synaptic plasticity and intercellular communication.
- Synaptic transmission involves dynamic ECM remodeling, influencing neurotransmitter dynamics.
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