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Updated: Jul 17, 2025

In Vivo Single-Molecule Tracking at the Drosophila Presynaptic Motor Nerve Terminal
Published on: January 14, 2018
Nanoscale organization of CaV2.1 splice isoforms at presynaptic terminals: implications for synaptic vesicle release
Lorenzo A Cingolani1,2, Agnes Thalhammer1,3, Fanny Jaudon1,4
1Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri 5, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
Abstract:
The distance between CaV2.1 voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and the Ca2+ sensor responsible for vesicle release at presynaptic terminals is critical for determining synaptic strength. Yet, the molecular mechanisms responsible for a loose coupling configuration of CaV2.1 in certain synapses or developmental periods and a tight one in others remain unknown. Here, we examine the nanoscale organization of two CaV2.1 splice isoforms (CaV2.1[EFa] and CaV2.1[EFb]) at presynaptic terminals by superresolution structured illumination microscopy. We find that CaV2.1[EFa] is more tightly co-localized with presynaptic markers than CaV2.1[EFb], suggesting that alternative splicing plays a crucial role in the synaptic organization of CaV2.1 channels.
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