Local modulation by presynaptic receptors controls neuronal communication and behaviour.
David M Lovinger1, Yolanda Mateo2, Kari A Johnson3
1Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA. lovindav@mail.nih.gov.
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|March 1, 2022
Summary
Presynaptic receptors, including ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), modulate neuronal communication by influencing neurotransmitter release. This review highlights their in vivo actions and future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Neurons communicate using fast (LGIC) and slow (GPCR) signaling pathways.
- Presynaptic receptors significantly impact neuronal functions, including neurotransmitter release.
- Existing knowledge on presynaptic receptor mechanisms is extensive, but in vivo spatiotemporal actions remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging evidence on the local actions of presynaptic receptors in vivo.
- To discuss the functional significance of these receptors in modulating neuronal communication.
- To propose future research avenues for investigating presynaptic receptor dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on in vivo studies.
- Analysis of emerging evidence on presynaptic LGIC and GPCR functions.
- Synthesis of current understanding and identification of knowledge gaps.
Main Results:
- Presynaptic LGIC and GPCR activation by local neurotransmitters modifies neuronal communication.
- These receptors influence the effects of somatic action potentials on neurotransmitter release.
- Emerging data indicates significant, localized presynaptic receptor roles in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Local presynaptic receptor actions play a crucial role in fine-tuning neuronal communication.
- Further in vivo research is needed to fully elucidate the when and where of these receptor-mediated release modifications.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to advancing neuroscience and developing targeted therapeutics.
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