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 […]
Posts with tag 'professionals'
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 […]
New applications of neuronal 3D cultures help to understand their metabolism
Scientists have the need to develop and choose the best biological models to understand the basis of the diseases in preclinical studies. Currently, animals and monolayer cell cultures (2D cultures) are widely spread as reference models. Anyway, these models are not completely reliable when it is necessary to comprehend some key events of the development […]
Does a relation exist between brain GABA levels and psychiatric disorders?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a key role in many physiological processes of brain. It is present in one third of synapses in the central nervous system, and modulates neurotransmission via GABAergic interneurons. Although the involvement of GABA in psychiatric disorders is well-known, understanding its role in their etiology is very difficult. In order to achieve […]

DHA: a key omega-3 fatty acid in children brain development
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid naturally present in cold water fatty fish, and in maternal breast milk. DHA is also available in fish oil, in algal supplements, and in fortified milk and eggs. Although DHA can be synthesized from short-chain precursor a-linolenic acid, diet-assumed DHA accumulates more efficiently in erythrocytes, breast […]