Target type: biologicalprocess
A process which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of a postsynaptic membrane, the specialized area of membrane facing the presynaptic membrane on the tip of the nerve ending and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft). [GOC:dph, GOC:pr]
Postsynaptic membrane organization is a complex and dynamic process that involves the assembly and maintenance of specialized protein complexes at the synapse, which is the junction between two neurons. This process is crucial for proper neuronal communication and is tightly regulated by a multitude of molecular factors.
The formation of a postsynaptic membrane begins with the arrival of an axon terminal, which releases neurotransmitters that bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell. This binding event triggers a signaling cascade that leads to the recruitment of various proteins to the nascent synapse. These proteins include scaffolding proteins, which act as organizers of the postsynaptic complex, as well as ion channels, receptors, and signaling molecules.
One of the key scaffolding proteins involved in postsynaptic organization is PSD-95, which binds to the NMDA receptor and other signaling molecules. This interaction creates a protein scaffold that helps to cluster these molecules at the synapse. Other scaffolding proteins, such as Shank and GKAP, also play crucial roles in organizing the postsynaptic complex.
In addition to scaffolding proteins, the postsynaptic membrane is also populated by a variety of ion channels, including AMPA receptors, NMDA receptors, and kainate receptors. These channels are responsible for transmitting the electrical signal from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron. The precise composition and distribution of these channels at the synapse are critical for determining the strength and duration of the synaptic transmission.
Furthermore, the postsynaptic membrane contains a diverse array of signaling molecules, including kinases, phosphatases, and second messengers. These molecules are involved in regulating the activity of the postsynaptic proteins and in modulating the strength of synaptic transmission.
The organization of the postsynaptic membrane is not static but rather undergoes constant remodeling in response to neuronal activity. This plasticity allows synapses to adapt to changes in the environment and to strengthen or weaken their connections with other neurons.
The process of postsynaptic membrane organization is essential for proper neuronal function and is tightly regulated by a multitude of molecular factors. Disruptions in this process can lead to various neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.'
"
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Acetylcholine receptor subunit beta | An acetylcholine receptor subunit beta that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P11230] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| bupropion | bupropion : An aromatic ketone that is propiophenone carrying a tert-butylamino group at position 2 and a chloro substituent at position 3 on the phenyl ring. Bupropion: A propiophenone-derived antidepressant and antismoking agent that inhibits the uptake of DOPAMINE. | aromatic ketone; monochlorobenzenes; secondary amino compound | antidepressant; environmental contaminant; xenobiotic |
| epibatidine | alkaloid | ||
| mecamylamine | Mecamylamine: A nicotinic antagonist that is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and crosses the blood-brain barrier. Mecamylamine has been used as a ganglionic blocker in treating hypertension, but, like most ganglionic blockers, is more often used now as a research tool. | primary aliphatic amine | |
| cytisine | alkaloid; bridged compound; lactam; organic heterotricyclic compound; secondary amino compound | nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist; phytotoxin; plant metabolite | |
| nicotine | (S)-nicotine : A 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine in which the chiral centre has S-configuration. The naturally occurring and most active enantiomer of nicotine, isolated from Nicotiana tabacum. | 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine | anxiolytic drug; biomarker; immunomodulator; mitogen; neurotoxin; nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist; peripheral nervous system drug; phytogenic insecticide; plant metabolite; psychotropic drug; teratogenic agent; xenobiotic |
| philanthotoxin 343 | philanthotoxin 343: structure given in first source (see article's footnote); identical to philanthotoxin 433 except that the number of methylene groups between the respective amine moieties is 3,4,3 instead of 4,3,3 | N-acyl-amino acid | |
| varenicline | varenicline : An organic heterotetracyclic compound that acts as a partial agonist for nicotinic cholinergic receptors and is used (in the form of its tartate salt) as an aid to giving up smoking. Varenicline: A benzazepine derivative that functions as an ALPHA4-BETA2 NICOTINIC RECEPTOR partial agonist. It is used for SMOKING CESSATION. | ||
| tropisetron | tropisetron : An indolyl carboxylate ester obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of indole-3-carboxylic acid with the hydroxy group of tropine. Tropisetron: An indole derivative and 5-HT3 RECEPTOR antagonist that is used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting. | indolyl carboxylic acid | |
| a 85380 | A 85380: structure given in first source; A-85380 is the S-enantiomer; A-159470 is the R-enantiomer | ||
| 3-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)anabaseine | 3-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)anabaseine: an alpha7nAChR nicotinic receptor agonist | dimethoxybenzene | |
| a 84543 | |||
| radafaxine | radafaxine: a bupropion metabolite; radafaxine is a (+)-isomer of hydroxybupropion | ||
| pnu-282987 | carbonyl compound; organohalogen compound | ||
| pnu-282987 |