title: Synaptic vesicle pools and dynamics.
abstract: Synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitter at chemical synapses, thus initiating the flow of information in neural networks. To achieve this, vesicles undergo a dynamic cycle of fusion and retrieval to maintain the structural and functional integrity of the presynaptic terminals in which they reside. Moreover, compelling evidence indicates these vesicles differ in their availability for release and mobilization in response to stimuli, prompting classification into at least three different functional pools. Ongoing studies of the molecular and cellular bases for this heterogeneity attempt to link structure to physiology and clarify how regulation of vesicle pools influences synaptic strength and presynaptic plasticity. We discuss prevailing perspectives on vesicle pools, the role they play in shaping synaptic transmission, and the open questions that challenge current understanding.
authors: Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford Institute for Neuro-Innovation and Translational Neurosciences, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
authors: AbdulRasheed A
authors: AA
authors: Alabi
authors: Richard W
authors: RW
authors: Tsien
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D008954:Models, Biological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D011726:Pyridinium Compounds; D045663:Quantum Dots; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000145:classification* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C073804:FM1 43; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011726:Pyridinium Compounds; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins