Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
07:29
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Mechanisms of MicroRNA Loading into Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Progression
Published on: October 6, 2023
2.0K
Tracking Newly Released Synaptic Vesicle Proteins at Ribbon Active Zones
Thirumalini Vaithianathan1, Lonnie P Wollmuth2, Diane Henry1
1Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
Iscience
|June 28, 2019
Summary
Clearance of synaptic vesicle proteins from active zones limits sustained neurotransmission. This study visualizes protein clearance at retinal ribbon synapses, finding it fits free diffusion models and is fastest during high release rates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Synaptic Transmission
Background:
- Synaptic vesicle protein clearance is crucial for sustained neurotransmission, especially at ribbon synapses.
- Understanding this process is key to comprehending prolonged neurotransmitter release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and quantify the clearance of synaptic vesicle proteins from active zones in retinal bipolar cell ribbon synapses.
- To investigate the mechanisms and kinetics of protein clearance following synaptic vesicle fusion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized synaptophysin-pHluorin (SypHy) to monitor protein dynamics at active zones.
- Applied depolarizing voltage steps to induce neurotransmitter release and observe fluorescence changes.
- Employed Monte Carlo simulations to model protein clearance via free diffusion.
Main Results:
- Observed step-like fluorescence changes indicating single SypHy molecule release near active zones.
- Found high variability in individual response profiles but ensemble averages fit free diffusion models.
- Demonstrated that clearance rate is dependent on fusion event time and location, being fastest at stimulus onset.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic vesicle protein clearance at ribbon synapses can be modeled by free diffusion.
- Clearance dynamics are influenced by the rate of synaptic activity, with faster clearance during high release periods.
- These findings provide insights into the regulation of sustained neurotransmission at ribbon synapses.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Synaptic Signaling
79.2K
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.
79.2K
01:09Synaptic Signaling
6.6K
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...
6.6K
02:29Hybrid Zones
21.8K
Hybrid zones are narrow regions where two closely related species interact, mate, and produce hybrids. Relative to either parent species, hybrids may possess distinct phenotypic or genetic differences that impact their survival and reproductive success. The genetic variances introduced by hybridization influence species diversity and speciation processes within the hybrid zone.
21.8K
01:16Zones of Protection
770
In power systems, the entire setup is divided into protective zones to isolate faults and protect the rest of the network. These zones include generators, transformers, buses, transmission lines, distribution lines, and motors. Each zone can be visualized as a separate room in a house, with each room protected by its own circuit breaker.
Protective zones are defined by closed dashed lines, containing one or more components. A key characteristic of these zones is the strategic placement of...
Protective zones are defined by closed dashed lines, containing one or more components. A key characteristic of these zones is the strategic placement of...
770
01:28Transition Zone
359
The transition zone in concrete is a critical area where aggregate meets cement paste, marked by a distinct porosity and weakness compared to the surrounding material. The adhesion around the aggregates is primarily due to Van Der Waals forces. The voids within this zone influence its robustness; initially, it is less durable than the surrounding bulk mortar due to larger voids. Initially, when concrete is compacted, a higher water-cement ratio near the aggregates leads to the formation of...
359
01:22Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
11.2K
Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high...
11.2K