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Related Concept Videos

Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

6.0K
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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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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The Synapse02:47

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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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Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

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Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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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.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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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.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
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Astrocyte-Neuron Signaling in Synaptogenesis.

Lili Shan1,2, Tongran Zhang1,2, Kevin Fan3,4

  • 1Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|July 19, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Astrocytes regulate neuron connections throughout life. This review explores astrocyte communication, regional differences, and how human stem cell organoids can reveal signaling pathways in synaptic development.

Keywords:
astrocytehuman induced pluripotent stem cellsmolecular signalingneuronsynaptogenesis

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Astrocytes are crucial in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • They dynamically regulate neuronal synapse formation and maturation.
  • Astrocyte-derived molecules promoting synaptogenesis have been identified, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of astrocyte-neuron communication.
  • To highlight astrocyte heterogeneity and regional capabilities in synaptogenesis.
  • To explore the potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived organoids in studying astrocyte signaling in synaptic development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of astrocyte-neuron interactions.
  • Analysis of astrocyte heterogeneity and regional functions.
  • Discussion of organoid models for studying synaptic development.

Main Results:

  • Astrocytes communicate bidirectionally with synapses throughout life.
  • Numerous astrocyte-derived molecules enhance synaptogenesis.
  • Astrocyte heterogeneity contributes to regional-specific synaptogenic capabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding astrocyte-mediated synaptogenesis requires further investigation into cell biology.
  • Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived organoids offer a promising model to study astrocyte signaling pathways in synaptic development.
  • Future research should focus on elucidating these pathways using advanced organoid systems.