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Methods for the Study of Synaptic Receptor Functional Properties

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Patch-Clamp Methods and Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1183))

Abstract

The generation of a synaptic current at the postsynaptic element (PSCs) is the result of a dynamic sequence of events including the release of the neurotransmitter, its diffusion in the synaptic cleft, and the activation of neurotransmitter receptors located at the postsynaptic side. It is widely accepted that the amplitude and the duration of PSCs are largely dictated by the gating properties of postsynaptic receptors. However, the knowledge of the properties of postsynaptic receptors is mostly derived from steady-state analysis, a condition that is substantially different from the non-equilibrium activation of synaptic receptors imposed by submillisecond neurotransmitter exposures. Given the technical limitations to reproduce the brief “synaptic-like” agonist pulse durations, the functioning of postsynaptic receptors during synaptic transmission is not fully elucidated and the “on-demand” postsynaptic activation of synapses cannot be easily achieved. In this chapter, we review the diverse approaches to study receptor gating at times relevant for synaptic transmission and novel optical/optogenetic techniques for controlling synaptic activity at the postsynaptic level. In addition, we emphasize the role of non-equilibrium in unmasking specific features of synaptic receptor gating and the recent advances in photonics for the light-control of neuronal activity at the single-receptor level.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Telethon grant GGP11043 to A.B.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy

    Enrica Maria Petrini & Andrea Barberis

Authors
  1. Enrica Maria Petrini
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  2. Andrea Barberis
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Correspondence to Andrea Barberis .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Translational Bioscience, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Marzia Martina

  2. Dept of Neuroscience & Brain Technologies, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy

    Stefano Taverna

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Petrini, E.M., Barberis, A. (2014). Methods for the Study of Synaptic Receptor Functional Properties. In: Martina, M., Taverna, S. (eds) Patch-Clamp Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1183. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1096-0_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1096-0_7

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