Abstract Traditional machine vision is suffering from redundant sensing data, bulky structures, and high energy consumption. Biological‐inspired neuromorphic systems are promising for compact energy‐efficient vision. Multifunctional optoelectronics enabling multispectrum sensitivity broadband image sensing, feature extraction, computing vital visions. Here, an optoelectronic synapse designed th...

Parkinson's disease is associated with multiplication of the α-synuclein gene and abnormal accumulation of the protein. In animal models, α-synuclein overexpression broadly impairs synaptic vesicle trafficking. However, the exact steps of the vesicle trafficking pathway affected by excess α-synuclein and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore we acutely increased synuclei...

The nervous system adapts to experience by changes in synaptic strength. The mechanisms of synaptic plasticity include changes in the probability of transmitter release and in postsynaptic responsiveness. Experimental and neuropharmacological evidence points toward a third variable in synaptic efficacy: changes in presynaptic transmitter concentration. Several groups, including our own, have re...

Synaptic transmission has traditionally been studied at the level of the entire nerve terminal rather than at one of its constituent boutons. Autonomic ganglia provide preparations for recording from individual boutons, as well as for determining the calcium transients necessary for transmitter release at these boutons. The results suggest a new paradigm for synaptic transmission.

Protein acetylation is mostly known for its role in chromatin remodeling. In this issue, Miśkiewicz and colleagues reveal a novel function of acetylation at the nerve terminal, where it regulates T bars and the number of associated synaptic vesicles to ultimately control the efficacy of synaptic transmission.

During transmitter release, synaptic vesicle membrane is specifically inserted into the nerve terminal plasma membrane only at specialized sites or "active zones." In an attempt to obtain a membrane fraction enriched in active zones, we have utilized the electric organ of the marine ray. From this organ, a fraction enriched in nerve terminals (synaptosomes) was prepared by conventional means. T...

The synaptic insertion of GluR1-containing AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) is critical for synaptic plasticity. However, mechanisms responsible for GluR1 insertion and retention at the synapse are unclear. The synapse-associated protein SAP97 directly binds GluR1 and participates in its forward trafficking from the Golgi network to the plasma membrane. Whether SAP97 also plays a role in ...

The synaptic localization of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type glutamate receptor (GluR) channel is a prerequisite for synaptic plasticity in the brain. We generated mutant mice carrying the carboxy-terminal truncated GluR epsilon2 subunit of the NMDA receptor channel. The mutant mice died neonatally and failed to form barrelette structures in the brainstem. The mutation greatly decreased th...

Modification of AMPA receptor function is a major mechanism for the regulation of synaptic transmission and underlies several forms of synaptic plasticity. Post-translational palmitoylation is a reversible modification that regulates localization of many proteins. Here, we report that palmitoylation of the AMPA receptor regulates receptor trafficking. All AMPA receptor subunits are palmitoylate...

The distribution of synaptophysin, a major protein of the synaptic vesicle membrane, was immunocytochemically examined in the rat cerebellar cortex. A monoclonal antibody against synaptophysin recognized the epitope to be present in the presynaptic membranous structures including synaptic vesicles, presynaptic membrane, coated vesicles, and vacuoles of endocytotic origin. In the nerve terminal ...