title: Super-resolution microscopy of the synaptic active zone.
abstract: Brain function relies on accurate information transfer at chemical synapses. At the presynaptic active zone (AZ) a variety of specialized proteins are assembled to complex architectures, which set the basis for speed, precision and plasticity of synaptic transmission. Calcium channels are pivotal for the initiation of excitation-secretion coupling and, correspondingly, capture a central position at the AZ. Combining quantitative functional studies with modeling approaches has provided predictions of channel properties, numbers and even positions on the nanometer scale. However, elucidating the nanoscopic organization of the surrounding protein network requires direct ultrastructural access. Without this information, knowledge of molecular synaptic structure-function relationships remains incomplete. Recently, super-resolution microscopy (SRM) techniques have begun to enter the neurosciences. These approaches combine high spatial resolution with the molecular specificity of fluorescence microscopy. Here, we discuss how SRM can be used to obtain information on the organization of AZ proteins.
authors: Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg Würzburg, Germany.
authors: Nadine
authors: N
authors: Ehmann
authors: Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg Würzburg, Germany.
authors: Markus
authors: M
authors: Sauer
authors: Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg Würzburg, Germany.
authors: Robert J
authors: RJ
authors: Kittel
keywords: Ca2+ channels; active zone; excitation-secretion coupling; structure-function relationships; super-resolution microscopy