Active zone maturation state controls synaptic output and release mode and is differentially regulated by neuronal activity.

ABSTRACT: Synapse formation requires the gradual accumulation of cytomatrix proteins and voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs) at presynaptic active zones (AZs) to support neurotransmitter release. To correlate AZ maturation with synaptic output, quantal imaging was performed at serially imaged time-stamped Drosophila synapses. Evoked release strength correlated strongly with AZ age and accumulation of late AZ scaffolds, while immature sites lacking VDCC accumulation supported spontaneous release. To examine how neuronal activity regulates AZ maturation and protein accumulation, the effects of disruptions to SV fusion or action potential generation were analyzed. Decreasing neuronal activity reduced AZ seeding and caused hyperaccumulation of presynaptic material at existing AZs. Alth

SUBMITTER: Akbergenova Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11838553 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature