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Related Concept Videos

Fusion of Secretory Vesicles with the Plasma Membrane01:26

Fusion of Secretory Vesicles with the Plasma Membrane

Proteins and neurotransmitters in secretory vesicles can be released from a cell upon vesicle docking, priming, and fusion with the plasma membrane. Vesicles are docked and primed in preparation for the quick exocytosis of their contents in response to a stimulus. The fusion process is mainly carried out by a SNAP Receptor or SNARE complex, consisting of synaptobrevin, syntaxin-1, and SNAP-25.
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
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The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Overview of Secretory Vesicles01:33

Overview of Secretory Vesicles

Secretory vesicles, also known as dense core vesicles (DCVs), are membrane-bound vesicles that transport secretory proteins, such as hormones or neurotransmitters. Regulated secretory vesicles transport proteins from the trans-Golgi network to the exterior of the cell. Proteins present in regulated secretory vesicles are required to be rapidly exocytosed in large amounts upon a specific stimulus.
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

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Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and “Neuron Ball” Culture
10:17

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Published on: August 2, 2019

Secreted factors as synaptic organizers.

Erin M Johnson-Venkatesh1, Hisashi Umemori

  • 1Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.

The European Journal of Neuroscience
|July 22, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Secreted factors organize synaptic development by differentiating presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. Dysregulation of these synaptic organizers is linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders.

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08:06

Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient

Published on: September 3, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Synaptic development requires precise differentiation of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures.
  • Secreted factors act as crucial synaptic organizers, guiding this complex process.
  • These signaling molecules are vital for both the neuromuscular junction and central nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review secreted molecules that organize synaptic compartments.
  • To discuss how these molecules shape synaptic development in mammalian in vivo systems.
  • To highlight the link between synaptic organizers and neurological/psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of secreted factors involved in synaptic organization.
  • Focus on mammalian in vivo studies of synaptic development.
  • Analysis of molecular functions at neuromuscular junctions and the central nervous system.

Main Results:

  • Identified fibroblast growth factors, Wnts, and neurotrophic factors as key secreted organizers.
  • Demonstrated that these factors function in both the neuromuscular junction and CNS, with context-specific roles.
  • Highlighted the conserved role of these molecules across different neural systems.

Conclusions:

  • Secreted factors are essential for establishing functional neural circuits through synaptic organization.
  • Disruptions in synaptic organizer function are implicated in various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
  • Further research into these molecules can provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.