Formation, Organization, and Maintenance of Synaptic Vesicle Pools: From Molecules to Structure and Dynamics

Synaptic vesicles are small trafficking organelles that store neurotransmitters. Proper communication between neurons depends on the tight temporal and spatial regulation of synaptic vesicle fusion and recycling. Synapses evolved to have different pools of synaptic vesicles, defined both by their functional properties and molecular composition, allowing them to adapt the kinetics and type of neurotransmitter released to the functional demands of the neuron circuit. In this chapter, we will discuss the life cycle of synaptic vesicles, from biogenesis to fusion and regeneration at synapses, integrating our knowledge of their molecular identity, functional properties, and spatial organization at presynaptic axon terminals.