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Related Concept Videos

The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

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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.
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Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders01:27

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Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
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Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
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When an action potential reaches the presynaptic axon terminal, it releases neurotransmitters from the neuron into the synaptic cleft at a chemical synapse. The released neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory. The critical criteria commonly used to determine whether a molecule is a neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse are the molecule's presence in the presynaptic neuron. Second, its release is in response to strong presynaptic depolarization. And lastly, the presence of...
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A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
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Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
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Presynapse Formation Assay Using Presynapse Organizer Beads and “Neuron Ball” Culture
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Synapse assembly and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Philip Washbourne1

  • 1Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.

Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
|July 4, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Genetic deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders impact synapse assembly. Understanding critical periods for these genetic issues is key for future clinical interventions.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with genetic deficits.
  • Synapse assembly is crucial for proper brain function.
  • Understanding the genetic underpinnings of neurodevelopment is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of genetic deficits on synapse assembly in neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • To discuss the role of critical periods in shaping clinical interventions for these disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of genetic deficits and synapse formation.
  • Analysis of critical developmental periods.
  • Synthesis of current research on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Main Results:

  • Genetic deficits significantly affect synapse assembly processes.
  • The timing of genetic deficits during critical periods influences the severity and type of neurodevelopmental impact.
  • Specific genetic factors are linked to distinct alterations in synaptic structure and function.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting critical periods offers a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions.
  • A deeper understanding of gene-synapse interactions is needed for effective treatments.
  • Future clinical strategies must consider the temporal dynamics of genetic influences on neurodevelopment.