A fundamental step in neuronal development is constituted by the axonal growth and the dendritic branching. Many intra- and extra-cellular signals regulate this process, indeed is very important that the growth of neuronal extremities follow a precise direction in order to reach their target cells. The distal tip of the axon is a specialized structure […]
Author Archives: Luca Maggioni
38 posts published by Luca Maggioni
Genes, dopamine and creativity in everyday life
The frescos of Sistine Chapel, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, the unpredictable Leo Messi’s dribbles… these are only some examples of creativity at the highest level. But creativity is not only a prerogative of few “beautiful minds”. Every person in everyday life has to deal with common problems that require a certain dose of creativity to […]
Synapses dysfunction and synaptopathies
The concept of synaptopathy refers to any brain disorder related with the impairment of synaptic junctions. Indeed, this definition does not really distinguish whether synaptic dysfunction is the cause or the consequence of such disorders, and often knowing where and when the onset of a disease occurs it is not clear. What is clear is […]
Role of lipids in the secretory pathway
Exocytosis is an essential cellular activity, particularly evident in neuronal network. The secretion of proteins and other molecules, packed into lipid membranes, or granules, starts in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), involves the Golgi apparatus, and ends on the surface of the plasma membrane. The transport of molecules to be released outside the cells requires a […]
Modulation of inhibitory networks by gephyrin
The glycinergic and the GABAergic neurotransmission are essential inhibitory networks. Glycinergic synapses are mostly present in the spinal cord, brainstem and retina, while GABAergic synapses are preponderant in the fore-brain. Anyway, both types of receptors are often together at post-synaptic regions, thus regulating the neurotransmission at the same time but with different action mechanisms. GABAA […]
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