Synaptic structure and diffusion dynamics of synaptic receptors

1. Biol Cell. 2003 Oct;95(7):465-76.

Synaptic structure and diffusion dynamics of synaptic receptors.

Triller A(1), Choquet D.

Author information:
(1)Biologie Cellulaire de la Synapse N&P, INSERM U497, Ecole Normale Supérieure,
Paris, France.

Neurotransmitter receptors are concentrated at synaptic sites through
interactions with specific scaffolding proteins and cytoskeletal elements, but
can also be found in intracellular compartments or dispersed in the membrane. The
notion has emerged in recent years that this distribution results from a dynamic
equilibrium between the different pools of receptors. This equilibrium is
regulated by neuronal activity and interactions with scaffolding proteins. A
change in its set point can result in rapid variations in the number of
functional receptors at synapses such as seen during plasticity. Trafficking of
receptors in and out of synapses has up to now mainly been viewed within the
framework of endo/exocytotic processes. After a brief presentation of the
structure of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, we review data indicating that
the lateral diffusion of receptors in the plane of the membrane is also a key
step to regulate receptor stabilization and accumulation at synapses.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biolcel.2003.07.001
PMID: 14597265 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Auteurs Bordeaux Neurocampus