Active zone structure‐function relationships at the neuromuscular junction. Issue 11 (29th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Homan, Anne E.; Meriney, Stephen D.
• Is Part Of: Synapse. Volume 72:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-08-29
• Subjects: calcium channels -- neuromuscular junction -- presynaptic terminals -- synapses -- synaptic vesicles; Synapses -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1002/syn.22057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-4476

Abstract

Abstract: The impact of presynaptic transmitter release site organization on synaptic function has been a vibrant area of research for synaptic physiologists. Because there is a highly nonlinear relationship between presynaptic calcium influx and subsequent neurotransmitter release at synapses, the organization and density of calcium sources (voltage‐gated calcium channels [VGCCs]) relative to calcium sensors located on synaptic vesicles is predicted to play a major role in shaping the dynamics of neurotransmitter release at a synapse. Here we review the history of structure‐function studies within transmitter release sites at the neuromuscular junction across three model preparations in an effort to discern the relationship between VGCC organization and synaptic function, and whether that organizational structure imparts evolutionary advantages for each species. Abstract : By comparing the structure‐function relationship of presynaptic neurotransmitter release sites across three model neuromuscular preparations, the authors evaluate the contribution of the organization and density of voltage‐gated calcium channels relative to docked synaptic vesicles to synaptic function.