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Updated: Nov 4, 2025

Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient
Published on: September 3, 2014
Presynaptic bouton compartmentalization and postsynaptic density-mediated glutamate receptor clustering via phase
Zhe Feng1, Xiandeng Wu2, Mingjie Zhang3
1Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
Neuronal synapses encompass three compartments: presynaptic axon terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic dendrite. Each compartment contains densely packed molecular machineries that are involved in synaptic transmission. In recent years, emerging evidence indicates that the assembly of these membraneless substructures or assemblies that are not enclosed by membranes are driven by liquid-liquid phase separation. We review here recent studies that suggest the phase separation-mediated organization of these synaptic compartments. We discuss how synaptic function may be linked to its organization as biomolecular condensates. We conclude with a discussion of areas of future interest in the field for better understanding of the structural architecture of neuronal synapses and its contribution to synaptic functions.
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