Synaptic cleft geometry modulates NMDAR opening probability by tuning neurotransmitter residence time.

ABSTRACT: Synaptic morphology plays a critical role in modulating the dynamics of neurotransmitter diffusion and receptor activation in interneuron communication. Central physical aspects of synaptic geometry, such as the curvature of the synaptic cleft, the distance between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes, and the surface-area-to-volume ratio of the cleft, crucially influence glutamate diffusion and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) opening probabilities. In this study, we developed a stochastic model for receptor activation using realistic synaptic geometries. Our simulations revealed substantial variability in NMDAR activation, showing a significant impact of synaptic structure on receptor activation. Next, we designed a theoretical study with idealized cleft geometries to understa

SUBMITTER: Mesa MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11993924 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature