Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release, 2008 Contemporary Neuroscience Series

Neurons in the nervous system organize into complex networks and their functions are precisely controlled. The most important means for neurons to communicate with each other is transmission through chemical synapses, where the release of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic nerve terminal of one neuron influences the function of a second neuron. Since the discovery of chemical neurotransmission by Otto Loewi in the 1920s, great progress has been made in our understanding of mol- ular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The last decade has seen an explosion of knowledge in this field. The aim of Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release is to provide up-to-date, in-depth coverage of essentially all major mole- lar mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The contributors have made great efforts to write concisely but with sufficient background information, and to use figures/diagrams to present clearly key concepts or experiments. It is hoped that this book may serve as a learning tool for neuroscience students, a solid reference for neuroscientists, and a source of knowledge for people who have a general interest in neuroscience. I was fortunate to be able to gather contributions from a group of outstanding scientists. I thank them for their efforts. In particular, I want to thank Dr. Erik Jorgensen who offered valuable suggestions about the book in addition to contrib- ing an excellent chapter. I thank US National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health for their supports.

The Architecture of the Presynaptic Release Site.- Multiple Modes of Fusion and Retrieval at the Calyx of Held Synapse.- Roles of SNARE Proteins in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion.- Roles and Sources of Calcium in Synaptic Exocytosis.- Regulation of Presynaptic Calcium Channels.- Synaptotagmin: Transducing Ca2+-Binding to Vesicle Fusion.- Functional Interactions Among the SNARE Regulators UNC-13, Tomosyn, and UNC-18.- Roles of the ELKS/CAST Family and SAD Kinase in Neurotransmitter Release.- The Role of Potassium Channels in the Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release.- Modulation of Neurotransmitter Release and Presynaptic Plasticity by Protein Phosphorylation.- Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis.- Lipids and Secretory Vesicle Exocytosis.- Neurotransmitter Reuptake and Synaptic Vesicle Refilling.- Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release by Presynaptic Receptors.- Transsynaptic Regulation of Presynaptic Release Machinery in Central Synapses by Cell Adhesion Molecules.- Differential Regulation of SmallClear Vesicles and Large Dense-Core Vesicles.

Up-to-date, systematic, and in-depth reviews on molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release Sufficient background information to suit a broad readership List of comprehensive index words for easy look-up Diagrams and figures in enclosed CD for use in teaching Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras