Recent Structural Insights into the Molecular Architecture of Synapses

Advances in neurobiology 2026 Book chapter Open access

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Authors: Axel T. Brünger, Richard G. Held, Yousuf A. Khan, Jeremy Leitz, Jiahao Liang, Chuchu Wang, K. Ian White
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-12594-1_2
Cited by: 1
References: 115

Abstract

Abstract Synaptic transmission between pre- and postsynaptic neurons occurs when the presynaptic neuron terminal is temporarily depolarized upon action potential arrival, opening voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels at synapses. Ca 2+ will flow into the presynapse, and it will trigger the fusion of neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane in less than a millisecond. Neurotransmitter molecules are then released into the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors in the postsynaptic membrane. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie this complex cellular process requires detailed knowledge of the spatial and structural organization of the macromolecular components of the synapse. This chapter focuses on recent structural insights into the presynaptic machinery and the spatial relationship between synaptic vesicles, presynaptic factors, and postsynaptic receptors.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cellular transport and secretion Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study

Publication details

Journal / source
Advances in neurobiology
Publisher
Springer Nature Switzerland
Volume
48
Pages
11–37
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter