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The Architecture of the Presynaptic Release Site

  • Chapter
Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release

Part of the book series: Contemporary Neuroscience ((NEUROBIOL))

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Abstract

The architecture of the presynaptic release site is exquisitely designed to facilitate the regulated tethering, docking, and fusing of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane. With the identification of some of the building blocks, we are beginning to understand the morphologic and functional properties of the synapse. Presynaptic release sites consist of a plasma membrane, a cytomatrix, and dense projections. These three components are morphologically distinct, yet they are intimately connected with each other and the postsynaptic nerve terminal, ensuring the fidelity of synaptic vesicle tethering, docking and fusion, as well as signal detection. Although the morphology of active zones and the molecular composition vary among species, tissues and cells, the architectural design of the release sites is likely conserved.

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  1. Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    R. Grace Zhai

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  1. Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, USA

    Zhao-Wen Wang Ph.D.

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Zhai, R.G. (2008). The Architecture of the Presynaptic Release Site. In: Wang, ZW. (eds) Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release. Contemporary Neuroscience. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-481-0_1

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