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Related Concept Videos

Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

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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.
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Synaptic Signaling01:09

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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...
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Intrinsically Disordered Proteins02:18

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Intrinsically disordered proteins are a group of proteins that do not fold into specific three-dimensional structures. Their structural flexibility allows them to complement ordered proteins to perform functions that are inaccessible to rigid structures. They are more common in eukaryotes than prokaryotes and may either be exclusively intrinsically disordered or hybrid proteins, consisting of a mix of ordered and disordered regions. The absence of a rigid structure in these proteins can be...
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Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

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Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...
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Bone Disorders01:29

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Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
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Disorders of Erythrocytes01:27

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Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 29, 2026

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
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New insights on synaptic dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Gladys Lima Caldeira1, João Peça1, Ana Luísa Carvalho2

  • 1CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Interdisciplinary Research Institute, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal.

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Synaptic protein dysfunction is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and schizophrenia. Targeting these synaptic and microglial mechanisms may offer new therapeutic avenues for these complex brain disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Synaptic proteins are increasingly implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders like ASD, ID, and schizophrenia.
  • Mutations in synaptic protein genes are common across these conditions, indicating shared pathways.
  • Spine pathology, including altered number and morphology, is a hallmark in affected individuals and animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review candidate genes affecting excitatory synapse function and spine morphology in neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • To explore convergent mechanisms underlying dendritic spine dysgenesis.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these mechanisms, even in adulthood.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on synaptic protein genes.
  • Analysis of findings from animal models and human post-mortem brain samples.
  • Examination of molecular mechanisms, including actin cytoskeleton regulation and microglial function.

Main Results:

  • Candidate genes influencing excitatory synapse function and spine morphology are identified.
  • Dysregulation of the actin cytoskeleton and microglial remodeling contribute to spine abnormalities.
  • Pathologic features, including spine abnormalities, can be reversed in adult animal models.

Conclusions:

  • Convergent molecular mechanisms, such as actin cytoskeleton and microglial dysfunction, underlie spine pathology in neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • Therapeutic interventions for these disorders may not be limited by developmental stage.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted and personalized therapies.