Neurons message each other with the help of excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitters. But to actually deliver those messages, the neurotransmitters must dock with protein receptors embedded in the cell membranes of adjacent neurons. Of particular interest in the human brain … Continue reading
Journal Club
Highlighting recent, timely papers selected by Academy member labs
Tag Archives: neurotransmitter
Journal Club: Newly solved structure of a GABA receptor could offer drug design insights
Journal Club: Sticky proteins play crucial role in tailoring synapses
The proteins that join neurons together at the synapse do more than just act like glue. Synaptic adhesion proteins are known to affect the activity of neurotransmitters, weaken or strengthen synaptic connections, or direct where synapses form. Faulty adhesion proteins … Continue reading
Journal Club: New clues in the mystery of the mechanism of general anesthetics
Anesthetics have been used in surgery since the mid-1800s, but their exact mechanisms of action continue to be the subject of intense investigation. Past studies have suggested they block neurotransmitter receptors postsynaptically. Now a new study, published January 9 in … Continue reading
Journal Club: New roles found for protein key to neurotransmission
Scientists know many of the proteins that make neurotransmission possible, but they don’t have a handle on how all the pieces work together. “As someone who has studied the synapse for a long time, I still find it frustrating … Continue reading