Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
08:46
Studying Synaptic Vesicle Pools using Photoconversion of Styryl Dyes
Published on: February 15, 2010
12.2K
Environmental Enrichment Upregulates Striatal Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Proteins and Improves Motor Function
Suk-Young Song1,2, Minji Chae1,3, Ji Hea Yu1
1Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Frontiers in Neurology
|August 1, 2018
Summary
Environmental enrichment (EE) significantly improves motor function by increasing synaptic vesicle proteins like SV2B, Rabphilin-3A, and Piccolo in the mouse striatum. These molecular changes offer new insights into EE
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Environmental enrichment (EE) involves diverse stimuli to promote well-being.
- Mechanisms of EE-induced synaptic plasticity require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate EE effects on synaptic vesicle-associated proteins.
- To correlate protein expression with behavioral outcomes in mice.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis of mouse striatum.
- Validation using qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry.
- Behavioral testing including rotarod and ladder walking.
Main Results:
- EE significantly improved motor function in behavioral tests.
- Identified 116 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in EE mice.
- Upregulated proteins (SV2B, Rabphilin-3A, Piccolo) linked to synaptic vesicle transport and exocytosis.
Conclusions:
- EE upregulates key synaptic proteins in the striatum.
- Increased SV2B, Rabphilin-3A, and Piccolo expression correlates with enhanced motor performance.
- Findings provide molecular insights into EE's therapeutic potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Synaptic Signaling
79.8K
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.
79.8K
01:09Synaptic Signaling
6.7K
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...
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...
6.7K
01:58Mechanical Protein Functions
5.6K
Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force.
5.6K
01:32Microtubule Associated Motor Proteins
10.7K
Eukaryotic cells have different motor proteins for transporting various cargo within the cell. These motor proteins differ based on the filament they associate with, the direction they move within the cell, and the type of cargo they transport. Motor proteins that associate with microtubules are known as microtubule-associated motor proteins. There are two families of microtubule-associated motor proteins —Kinesins and Dyneins. Both these proteins assist in the transport of cellular...
10.7K
01:56Structural Protein Function
30.0K
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
30.0K
01:56Structural Protein Function
3.3K
3.3K