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Related Concept Videos

Synaptic Signaling01:09

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.
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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Fusion of Secretory Vesicles with the Plasma Membrane01:26

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Proteins and neurotransmitters in secretory vesicles can be released from a cell upon vesicle docking, priming, and fusion with the plasma membrane. Vesicles are docked and primed in preparation for the quick exocytosis of their contents in response to a stimulus. The fusion process is mainly carried out by a SNAP Receptor or SNARE complex, consisting of synaptobrevin, syntaxin-1, and SNAP-25.
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Overview of Secretory Vesicles01:33

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Secretory vesicles, also known as dense core vesicles (DCVs), are membrane-bound vesicles that transport secretory proteins, such as hormones or neurotransmitters. Regulated secretory vesicles transport proteins from the trans-Golgi network to the exterior of the cell. Proteins present in regulated secretory vesicles are required to be rapidly exocytosed in large amounts upon a specific stimulus.
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Chemical Synapses01:26

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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.
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The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

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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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Correction: Lamanna, J.; Meldolesi, J. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Brain Areas Involved, Neurobiological Mechanisms, Diagnoses and Therapies. <i>Int. J. Mol. Sci.</i> 2024, <i>25</i>, 2423.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
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Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment

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Specific Extracellular Vesicles, Generated and Operating at Synapses, Contribute to Neuronal Effects and Signaling.

Jacopo Meldolesi1,2

  • 1IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20129 Milan, Italy.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 25, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from synaptic boutons in the central nervous system. These synaptic EVs have unique properties and may modulate neurotransmission or serve other functions, requiring further research.

Keywords:
Drosophilacanonicalcargoclathrindendriteendocytosis/endosomesexocytosisnavigationpre-/post-synapticspinesubtype

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Measuring Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Extracellular Vesicles Research

Background:

  • Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in all cell types, originating within multivesicular body (MVB) endocytic cisternae.
  • Neuronal EVs were traditionally thought to release only from the cell body and dendrites.
  • Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and EVs have been identified at synaptic boutons, crucial for neurotransmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the unique characteristics and functions of synaptic EVs.
  • To investigate the distribution and molecular effects of synaptic EVs.
  • To understand the potential roles of synaptic EVs in neurotransmission and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of recent studies on synaptic EVs.
  • Analysis of EV generation, accumulation, and release mechanisms.
  • Comparative analysis of synaptic EVs versus other neuronal EVs.

Main Results:

  • Synaptic EVs exhibit distinct properties and heterogeneity compared to other neuronal EVs.
  • The distribution of synaptic EVs is localized to critical synaptic sites.
  • Synaptic EVs may influence canonical neurotransmitter release or mediate non-canonical neurotransmission.

Conclusions:

  • Synaptic EVs represent a specialized population of extracellular vesicles with unique roles.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functions of synaptic EVs.
  • Synaptic EVs hold potential for understanding and treating neurological diseases.