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The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...

Membrane Fluidity

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

A Fluorescence-based Assay of Phospholipid Scramblase Activity

A Fluorescence-based Assay of Phospholipid Scramblase Activity

Published on: September 20, 2016

Flip-flopping to the membrane.

Catherine L Salussolia¹, Lonnie P Wollmuth

¹Department of Neurobiology and Behavior & Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA.

|November 13, 2012

Summary

This study reveals a new way glutamate signaling fidelity is altered to support homeostatic synaptic plasticity. This mechanism helps synapses adapt to changing activity levels.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Synaptic Plasticity
Molecular Biology

Background:

Excitatory synapses utilize glutamate, a key neurotransmitter.
Synaptic function is dynamic and changes with neural activity.
Homeostatic synaptic plasticity is crucial for maintaining neural network stability.

Discussion:

Penn et al. (2012) identified a novel mechanism impacting glutamate signaling fidelity.
This mechanism contributes to activity-dependent changes in synaptic function.
Understanding these changes is vital for comprehending neural adaptation.

Key Insights:

A new molecular mechanism regulating glutamate signaling fidelity was discovered.
This mechanism plays a role in maintaining homeostatic synaptic plasticity.

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Imaging Plasma Membrane Deformations With pTIRFM

Imaging Plasma Membrane Deformations With pTIRFM

Published on: April 2, 2014

Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy as a Unique Probe for Lipid Membrane Dynamics and Membrane-Protein Interactions

Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy as a Unique Probe for Lipid Membrane Dynamics and Membrane-Protein Interactions

Published on: May 27, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 17, 2026

A Fluorescence-based Assay of Phospholipid Scramblase Activity

A Fluorescence-based Assay of Phospholipid Scramblase Activity

Published on: September 20, 2016

Imaging Plasma Membrane Deformations With pTIRFM

Imaging Plasma Membrane Deformations With pTIRFM

Published on: April 2, 2014

Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy as a Unique Probe for Lipid Membrane Dynamics and Membrane-Protein Interactions

Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy as a Unique Probe for Lipid Membrane Dynamics and Membrane-Protein Interactions

Published on: May 27, 2021

The findings offer insights into how synapses adapt to altered activity.

Outlook:

Further research can explore the specific molecular players involved.
This discovery may open new avenues for understanding neurological disorders.
Investigating this mechanism could lead to therapeutic strategies for synaptic dysfunction.