Synaptic homeostasis on the fast track.
Synaptic homeostasis is a phenomenon that prevents the nervous system from descending into chaos. In this issue of Neuron, Frank et al. overturn the notion that synaptic homeostasis at Drosophila NMJs is a slow developmental process. They report that postsynaptic changes are offset within minutes by a homeostatic increase in neurotransmitter release that requires the presynaptic Ca(2+) channel Cacophony.
Macleod
Gregory T
GT
Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Zinsmaier
Konrad E
KE
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D017729:Presynaptic Terminals / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D015220:Calcium Channels; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; C472405:cac protein, Drosophila