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Related Concept Videos

Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
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Long-term Depression01:05

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Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
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Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory01:23

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D-Serine: a key to synaptic plasticity?

Christian Henneberger1, Lucie Bard, Dmitri A Rusakov

  • 1UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK. Christian.Henneberger@gmail.com

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|January 24, 2012
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D-serine, an amino acid, plays a key role in brain function by acting on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) to influence synaptic plasticity and learning. Further research is needed to understand its dynamic signaling in the mammalian brain.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurophysiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • D-serine is found at high levels in brain tissue.
  • D-serine modulates the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR).
  • NMDARs are crucial for synaptic plasticity, the mechanism underlying learning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding D-serine signaling.
  • To explore the physiological significance of D-serine in the mammalian brain.
  • To address unanswered questions regarding D-serine synthesis, release, and clearance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental evidence.
  • Focus on neurophysiological studies.
  • Analysis of D-serine's role in synaptic plasticity.

Main Results:

  • D-serine is implicated in synaptic plasticity.
  • Key questions about D-serine release and regulation remain.
  • Understanding D-serine dynamics is essential for NMDAR function.

Conclusions:

  • Dynamic D-serine signaling is critical for NMDAR-mediated synaptic plasticity and learning.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the precise mechanisms of D-serine release and its fate.
  • Investigating D-serine's role offers insights into learning and memory processes.