Based on evidence that the docked and primed synaptic vesicle state is very dynamic, we
propose a three-step process for the buildup of the molecular machinery that mediates …

Quantal fluctuations are an integral part of synaptic signaling. At the frog neuromuscular
junction, Bernard Katz proposed that quantal fluctuations originate at “reactive sites” where …

The nanoscale topographical arrangement of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) and
synaptic vesicles (SVs) determines synaptic strength and plasticity, but whether distinct …

Variance analysis of postsynaptic current amplitudes suggests the presence of distinct
docking sites (also called release sites) where vesicles pause before exocytosis. Docked …

This note investigates the stochastic dynamics of quantal content, ie, the number of vesicles
released from a chemical synapse in response to high-frequency stimulation. The model …

In the healthy brain, neuronal excitability and synaptic strength are homeostatically
regulated to keep neuronal network activity within physiological boundaries. Epilepsy is …

Classic theories link cognitive abilities to synaptic properties and human-specific biophysical
features of synapses might contribute to the unparalleled performance of the human …

Many central synapses contain a single presynaptic active zone and a single postsynaptic
density. Vesicular release statistics at such “simple synapses” indicate that they contain a …

Summary Synaptotagmin 7 (Syt7) is thought to be a Ca 2+ sensor that mediates
asynchronous transmitter release and facilitation at synapses. However, Syt7 is strongly …

Inhibitory interneurons target precise membrane regions on pyramidal cells, but differences
in their functional effects on somata, dendrites and spines remain unclear. We analyzed …