Astrocytes: Tripartite Synapse and Gliotransmission
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discuss tripartite synapse and gliotransmission in relation to astrocytes

Tripartite synapse, a conversation of 3. GLIOTRANSMISSION - Axon has neurotransmitters that it is releasing, on the other side on the dendrite there are receptors. Pre-synaptic (axon terminal) and post-synaptic side (dendrite). The astrocytes that are engulfing will also release chemicals. They have receptors, as well. Modifies overall activity, example, glutamate receptors being activated.

the blood brain barrier wants to ensure that...

  • blood is clean
  • everything enters brain
  • bacteria does not enter the brain (correct)
  • what is the role of microglia in the brain?

    They play some sort of immune response in the brain. If they detect some sort of evidence of a foreign body, they will go into a primed state and become larger and more active, searching for the foreign body and if they find the foreign body they will become bigger and engulf and digest it. AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER, the microglia sometimes targets its own cells, which looks very similar to foreign body and makes a mistake.

    the central dogma consists of...

    <p>genome, DNA, RNA, protein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    transcription involves

    <p>DNA to RNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    translation involves

    <p>RNA to protein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    describe the cytoskeleton

    <p>constantly growing and shrinking, very dynamic, heavily influenced by transcription and translation Eg: CTE, partially related to the cytoskeleton</p> Signup and view all the answers

    describe dendrites and the role of spines in relation to disorders and early development

    <p>Dendrites - covered in receptors, some of them have nubs or spines (almost exclusively a type that releases glutamate, usually excitatory). Non-spiny, inhibitory in nature, releasing GABA.</p> <p>Schizophrenia, Down syndrome or alcohol addiction - you can see how some of their changes in function are related to some dendritic spines, such as an increase of them can lead to neurodivergence or autism and a decrease can lead to schizophrenia</p> <p>Changes or variance in spines can lead to different diagnoses</p> <p>Over the first few years of your life, you have a lot of synapses, you are over-wired, you can learn potentially anything but also struggle with a lot of basic things</p> Signup and view all the answers

    spiny dendrites release _____ and are ______ in nature

    <p>glutamate, inhibitory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    non-spiny dendrites release

    <p>GABA, inhibitory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Tripartite Synapse and Gliotransmission

    • Tripartite synapse consists of presynaptic neuron, postsynaptic neuron, and astrocytes, highlighting the importance of glial cells in synaptic transmission.
    • Gliotransmission refers to the process where astrocytes release neurotransmitters and signaling molecules, influencing neuronal activity and communication.
    • Astrocytes can modulate synaptic strength and plasticity through the release of gliotransmitters like glutamate or ATP.

    Blood-Brain Barrier

    • The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the movement of substances from the bloodstream into the brain, maintaining a stable environment essential for neural function.
    • It acts as a selective permeability barrier, allowing only certain molecules to pass while protecting the brain from pathogens and toxins.

    Role of Microglia in the Brain

    • Microglia are immune cells in the central nervous system, responsible for immune defense and maintenance of homeostasis.
    • They respond to injury, clear debris, and can influence neuronal health, synaptic remodeling, and inflammation.

    Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

    • The central dogma outlines the flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein.
    • It reflects how genetic instructions are transmitted and expressed within a cell, influencing cellular functions.

    Transcription

    • Transcription is the process of synthesizing messenger RNA (mRNA) from a DNA template, allowing the gene's information to be copied.
    • It occurs within the nucleus and involves the enzyme RNA polymerase binding to DNA and creating an RNA strand.

    Translation

    • Translation is the process whereby ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of mRNA, occurring in the cytoplasm.
    • During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA sequence and assembles the corresponding amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

    Cytoskeleton

    • The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of protein filaments (microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments) that maintains cell shape, provides mechanical support, and is involved in intracellular transport.
    • It plays a crucial role in cellular movement, division, and the placement of organelles within a cell.

    Dendrites and Spines

    • Dendrites are extensions of neurons that receive synaptic inputs, playing a critical role in signal reception and integration.
    • Dendritic spines are small protrusions that form synaptic connections; they are essential for synaptic strength and plasticity.
    • Abnormalities in spine density and morphology are linked to various disorders, including autism and schizophrenia, and these structures develop early in brain development.

    Spiny and Non-Spiny Dendrites

    • Spiny dendrites release glutamate and are excitatory in nature.
    • Non-spiny dendrites typically release GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), contributing to inhibitory signaling in the brain.

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    Description

    Explore the role of astrocytes in the tripartite synapse and gliotransmission. Learn about the complex interactions between neurons and astrocytes in neural signaling. Test your knowledge on the cellular mechanisms involved.

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