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Related Concept Videos

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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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 Neuromuscular Junction01:19

The Neuromuscular Junction

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The nervous system consists of complex motor neuron circuits, including upper motor neurons originating from the cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons starting in the spinal cord, coordinating both voluntary and involuntary movements. Among these, somatic motor neurons activate skeletal muscles and are classified into alpha, beta, and gamma types. Alpha neurons are vital for voluntary movement coordination, while gamma neurons adjust muscle spindle sensitivity, and the function of beta...
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Electrical Synapses01:28

Electrical Synapses

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Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
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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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Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

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A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Quantitative Approaches for Scoring in vivo Neuronal Aggregate and Organelle Extrusion in Large Exopher Vesicles in C. elegans
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Quantitative Approaches for Scoring in vivo Neuronal Aggregate and Organelle Extrusion in Large Exopher Vesicles in C. elegans

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EVs move messes, not messages, at the synapse.

Marina N Bostelman1, Heather T Broihier1

  • 1Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|August 13, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Extracellular vesicles at Drosophila neuromuscular junctions do not mediate signaling. Instead, new research indicates these vesicles primarily function in proteostasis, clearing unwanted cellular waste.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized for their roles in intercellular communication.
  • However, their functions may extend beyond signaling to include waste removal.
  • Previous studies suggested EVs at neuromuscular junctions are involved in signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the precise role of extracellular vesicles at Drosophila neuromuscular junctions.
  • To determine if EVs are essential for intercellular signaling in this context.
  • To explore alternative functions of EVs, such as proteostasis.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic manipulation of EV production in Drosophila.
  • High-resolution imaging of neuromuscular junctions.

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  • Functional assays to assess synaptic transmission and proteostasis.

    • Main Results:

    • Extracellular vesicles are not required for normal signaling at Drosophila neuromuscular junctions.
    • Loss of EVs does not impair synaptic function.
    • Evidence suggests EVs accumulate specific protein aggregates, supporting a proteostasis role.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings challenge the established view of EVs as solely signaling mediators at neuromuscular junctions.
    • Extracellular vesicles likely serve a critical role in clearing cellular debris and misfolded proteins (proteostasis).
    • This redefines our understanding of EV function in neuronal health and disease.