CSHL researchers unravel how a protein helps nerve cells recycle synaptic vesicles
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 - 13:42
in Biology & Nature
Cold Spring Harbor, NY -- Brain cells, or neurons, transmit electrical signals efficiently only when they recycle tiny cellular sacs that store signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters. When a neuron is stimulated, the sacs are expelled into the synapse -- the tiny junction between nerve cells -- where they release the chemicals, which neighboring cells in turn soak up.