The Molecular Mechanism Behind Synaptic Transmission

Neurons in the nervous system organize into complex networks and their functions are precisely controlled. The most important means for neurons to communicate with each other is transmission through chemical synapses, where the release of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic nerve terminal of one neuron influences the function of a second neuron. Since the discovery of chemical neurotransmission by Otto Loewi in the 1920s, great progress has been made in our understanding of mol- ular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The last decade has seen an explosion of knowledge in this field. The aim of Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release is to provide up-to-date, in-depth coverage of essentially all major mole- lar mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The contributors have made great efforts to write concisely but with sufficient background information, and to use figures/diagrams to present clearly key concepts or experiments. It is hoped that this book may serve as a learning tool for neuroscience students, a solid reference for neuroscientists, and a source of knowledge for people who have a general interest in neuroscience. I was fortunate to be able to gather contributions from a group of outstanding scientists. I thank them for their efforts. In particular, I want to thank Dr. Erik Jorgensen who offered valuable suggestions about the book in addition to contrib- ing an excellent chapter. I thank US National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health for their supports.

A comprehensive, multidisciplinary review, Neural Plasticity and Memory: From Genes to Brain Imaging provides an in-depth, up-to-date analysis of the study of the neurobiology of memory. Leading specialists share their scientific experience in the field, covering a wide range of topics where molecular, genetic, behavioral, and brain imaging techniq

This book provides a new compilation of information that link changes in the basic structure of synapses and brain diseases. The book shows that specific secreted proteins, and short peptide mimicking the function of neural cell adhesion molecules can significantly enhance the formation of synapses in the brain. It describes recent advances in research that lay necessary scientific groundwork to develop pharmacological treatments.

Major progresses in the study of the cellular and molecular basis of synaptic transmission of nerve cells are highlighted. Each individual contribution gives an overview of the subject, presenting a description of the technical approach and considering future perspectives of the developments in the field. Topics range from historical aspects of the development of biochemical studies on synaptic transmission to the most advanced techniques applicable in morphological and functional studies of the nerve terminal. Studies on synaptic vesicles, the regulation of presynaptic transmitter synthesis, transmitter-release and especially the molecular structure and function of presynaptic ion channels and of transmitter receptors offer a detailed insight into synaptic events.

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie brain activity and function remains one of the major frontiers of biology. All the processes of how we co-ordinate our movements, sense our surroundings, react to stimuli and learn and retain information rely on complicated networks of neurons thatcommunicate with each other and their targets. This fast and accurate intercellular signalling most occurs at synapses, specialized processes of neurons that release chemical signals, called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters: Frontiers in Molecular Biology will provide the reader withextensive background information on neurotransmitter release. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, but does not assume previous knowledge having basic introductions to most topics. Topics however are covered in enough detail to be of interest to experts in the field. Throughout, emphasis is placedon the rationale by which proteins are assigned specific functions rather than just providing facts about function. The first chapter provides an introduction to the basic features and properties of the synapse and is followed by a chapter detailing several important techniques used to elucidatevarious aspects of release. Chapters 3 describes many of the biochemical approaches used to identify proteins involved in neurotransmitter release and then chapters 4 and 5 focus on more specific aspects of synaptic transmission: the proteins that transport neurotransmitters and the role ofphosphlipids in the process. The next five chapters concentrate on approaches to unravel the function of many proteins in vivo by using toxins, giant squid axons, C. elegans, Drosophila, and mice. The final chapter summarizes current knowledge on endocytosis and recycling. Knowledge of themolecular mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release has expanded tremendously over the last 10 years. Many of the proteins involved have been isolated, but their roles have yet to be determined. These discoveries will be a major challenge and it is therefore the major aim of this book not onlyto provide information but also to generate excitement.

Neurons in the nervous system organize into complex networks and their functions are precisely controlled. The most important means for neurons to communicate with each other is transmission through chemical synapses, where the release of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic nerve terminal of one neuron influences the function of a second neuron. Since the discovery of chemical neurotransmission by Otto Loewi in the 1920s, great progress has been made in our understanding of mol- ular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The last decade has seen an explosion of knowledge in this field. The aim of Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release is to provide up-to-date, in-depth coverage of essentially all major mole- lar mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The contributors have made great efforts to write concisely but with sufficient background information, and to use figures/diagrams to present clearly key concepts or experiments. It is hoped that this book may serve as a learning tool for neuroscience students, a solid reference for neuroscientists, and a source of knowledge for people who have a general interest in neuroscience. I was fortunate to be able to gather contributions from a group of outstanding scientists. I thank them for their efforts. In particular, I want to thank Dr. Erik Jorgensen who offered valuable suggestions about the book in addition to contrib- ing an excellent chapter. I thank US National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health for their supports.

In two freestanding volumes, the Textbook of Neural Repair and Rehabilitation provides comprehensive coverage of the science and practice of neurological rehabilitation. Revised throughout, bringing the book fully up to date, this volume, Neural Repair and Plasticity, covers the basic sciences relevant to recovery of function following injury to the nervous system, reviewing anatomical and physiological plasticity in the normal central nervous system, mechanisms of neuronal death, axonal regeneration, stem cell biology, and research strategies targeted at axon regeneration and neuron replacement. New chapters have been added covering pathophysiology and plasticity in cerebral palsy, stem cell therapies for brain disorders and neurotrophin repair of spinal cord damage, along with numerous others. Edited and written by leading international authorities, it is an essential resource for neuroscientists and provides a foundation for the work of clinical rehabilitation professionals.