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Related Concept Videos

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...
Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action01:26

Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action

Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
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.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
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.

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CAST controls presynaptic sequestration of Rab6 in neurons.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light
11:36

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light

Published on: February 10, 2017

[Molecular mechanism at the presynaptic active zone].

Toshihisa Ohtsuka1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine/Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.

Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|July 13, 2011
PubMed
Summary

The active zone (AZ) regulates neurotransmitter release for brain functions. This review summarizes AZ protein interactions, focusing on CAST and ELKS in synaptic vesicle fusion.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Higher brain functions rely on neural network regulation.
  • Neurons communicate via synapses, comprising presynapse, synaptic cleft, and postsynapse.
  • The active zone (AZ) is crucial for Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitter release.

Purpose:

  • To review current advances in active zone (AZ) structure and function.
  • To highlight protein-protein interactions among AZ proteins.

Summary:

  • The AZ's molecular composition is not fully understood but includes key proteins like CAST, ELKS, RIM1, Munc13-1, Piccolo, and Bassoon.
  • CAST and ELKS are novel AZ proteins that bind to RIMs, Bassoon, and Piccolo.
  • These interactions are vital for docking and synaptic vesicle fusion, influencing neurotransmitter release.

More Related Videos

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy
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Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy

Published on: January 4, 2010

In Vivo Single-Molecule Tracking at the Drosophila Presynaptic Motor Nerve Terminal
06:45

In Vivo Single-Molecule Tracking at the Drosophila Presynaptic Motor Nerve Terminal

Published on: January 14, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 31, 2026

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light
11:36

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light

Published on: February 10, 2017

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy
11:02

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy

Published on: January 4, 2010

In Vivo Single-Molecule Tracking at the Drosophila Presynaptic Motor Nerve Terminal
06:45

In Vivo Single-Molecule Tracking at the Drosophila Presynaptic Motor Nerve Terminal

Published on: January 14, 2018

Impact:

  • Advances understanding of synaptic transmission mechanisms.
  • Provides insights into the molecular basis of learning, memory, emotion, and consciousness.
  • Identifies potential targets for neurological disorder research.