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Related Concept Videos

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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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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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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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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Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

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Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment....
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Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

Integration of Synaptic Events

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Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Utilizing Combined Methodologies to Define the Role of Plasma Membrane Delivery During Axon Branching and Neuronal Morphogenesis
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Utilizing Combined Methodologies to Define the Role of Plasma Membrane Delivery During Axon Branching and Neuronal Morphogenesis

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Molecular continuity between axon guidance and synaptic function.

Seongjun Kim1, Hye Jin Cho1, I-Hao Wang2

  • 1Department of Physiology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.

Molecules and Cells
|March 27, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Synaptic proteins are repurposed during early brain development to guide neuronal connections, challenging traditional views. This molecular versatility creates a continuum from wiring to specialization.

Keywords:
CerebellinCircuit assemblyLatrophilinN-methyl-D-aspartate receptorsNeurexin

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Visualization of the Axonal Projection Pattern of Embryonic Motor Neurons in Drosophila
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Utilizing Combined Methodologies to Define the Role of Plasma Membrane Delivery During Axon Branching and Neuronal Morphogenesis
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Neural circuit assembly requires coordinated axon guidance and synapse formation.
  • Distinct molecular cues were traditionally thought to govern these two processes.
  • Emerging evidence suggests shared molecular players in both wiring and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual roles of synaptic proteins in neural development.
  • To highlight the repurposing of mature synaptic proteins for early wiring events.
  • To explore the concept of a molecular continuum in brain development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of key synaptic proteins and their developmental functions.
  • Analysis of non-canonical signaling mechanisms used by these proteins.
  • Discussion of complementary adhesion systems in neuronal pairing.

Main Results:

  • Synaptic proteins like latrophilins and NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors) guide axon navigation and target recognition.
  • These proteins employ non-canonical mechanisms, including ion flux-independent signaling and trans-neuronal adhesion.
  • Functional duality bridges initial wiring with later synaptic specialization.

Conclusions:

  • Synaptic proteins exhibit remarkable molecular versatility, serving roles beyond mature transmission.
  • A "molecular continuum" exists, linking early neural wiring with later synaptic function.
  • Understanding this duality offers insights into building complex biological systems.