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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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Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)01:32

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Postsynaptic potential (PSP) refers to a change in the electrical potential of a neuron when neurotransmitters released by presynaptic neurons bind to postsynaptic receptors. This potential can either be excitatory, leading to depolarization and ultimately action potential generation, or inhibitory, leading to hyperpolarization and suppression of the postsynaptic neuron.
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Electrical Synapses01:28

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Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
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Chemical Synapses01:26

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
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Overview of Synapses01:25

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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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A possible postsynaptic role for SNAP-25 in hippocampal synapses.

S Hussain1, H Ringsevjen1, M Schupp2

  • 1Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.

Brain Structure & Function
|November 1, 2018
PubMed
Summary

The SNARE protein SNAP-25, a regulator of presynaptic vesicle exocytosis, is newly found in postsynaptic spines. Its localization in the postsynaptic density and membrane suggests novel roles in synaptic plasticity.

Keywords:
Electron microscopyHippocampusLTPSNARE proteinsSynaptic plasticity

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The SNARE protein SNAP-25 is primarily known for regulating presynaptic vesicle exocytosis.
  • Emerging evidence points to SNARE proteins, including SNAP-25, in postsynaptic glutamate receptor trafficking, a key mechanism for synaptic plasticity.
  • Detailed quantitative studies on SNAP-25's subsynaptic localization have been lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the subsynaptic localization of the SNARE protein SNAP-25 using electron microscopy.
  • To determine if SNAP-25 expression or localization changes in postsynaptic spines following long-term potentiation (LTP).

Main Methods:

  • Immunogold labeling and electron microscopy were employed to visualize SNAP-25 localization in hippocampal synapses.
  • Quantitative analysis of gold particle densities was performed in presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments before and after LTP induction.

Main Results:

  • SNAP-25 was confirmed in its canonical presynaptic localization.
  • Novel postsynaptic localization of SNAP-25 was observed in the postsynaptic density (PSD), postsynaptic lateral membrane, and associated vesicles.
  • No significant changes in SNAP-25 gold particle densities were detected in postsynaptic compartments 1 hour after LTP induction.

Conclusions:

  • SNAP-25 exhibits a broader subsynaptic distribution than previously recognized, including significant postsynaptic presence.
  • The early phase of hippocampal LTP does not involve significant local trafficking or altered expression of SNAP-25 in postsynaptic sites.
  • The postsynaptic localization of SNAP-25 suggests potential roles in postsynaptic vesicle exocytosis and hippocampal synaptic plasticity.