Target type: cellularcomponent
The dendrite of the dendritic tree that is farthest away from the neuronal cell body (the soma). [GOC:aruk, GOC:bc, PMID:20629984]
Distal dendrites are the farthest branches of a neuron's dendrite, extending away from the cell body and the proximal dendrites. They play a crucial role in receiving synaptic inputs from other neurons, particularly those involved in long-range communication. Distal dendrites are characterized by their specialized structure and molecular composition, which allows them to integrate and process incoming signals.
**Structure:**
* **Thin and branched:** Distal dendrites are typically thinner and more extensively branched than proximal dendrites, maximizing their surface area for receiving synaptic inputs.
* **Spines:** Many distal dendrites possess small, mushroom-shaped protrusions called spines, which serve as the primary sites of excitatory synaptic contacts. Spines provide a compartmentalized environment for signal processing and plasticity.
* **Cytoskeletal elements:** The cytoskeleton of distal dendrites is composed of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments. These elements provide structural support, regulate dendritic morphology, and facilitate the transport of molecules along the dendrite.
**Molecular composition:**
* **Receptors:** Distal dendrites express a variety of receptors for neurotransmitters, including glutamate receptors (AMPA, NMDA, and kainate), GABA receptors, and acetylcholine receptors. These receptors mediate the postsynaptic responses to incoming signals.
* **Signaling molecules:** Distal dendrites contain a diverse array of signaling molecules, such as kinases, phosphatases, and second messengers. These molecules contribute to signal transduction and plasticity within the dendrite.
* **Transporters:** Distal dendrites possess transporter proteins that regulate the uptake and release of neurotransmitters, ensuring proper synaptic function.
**Function:**
* **Signal reception:** Distal dendrites receive synaptic inputs from other neurons, integrating information from various sources.
* **Signal processing:** Distal dendrites are the sites of signal processing, where incoming synaptic signals are integrated and modulated.
* **Plasticity:** Distal dendrites exhibit significant plasticity, allowing their structure and function to be modified in response to experience. This plasticity underlies learning and memory formation.
**Examples:**
* **CA1 pyramidal neurons:** Distal dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus receive inputs from the entorhinal cortex and participate in spatial memory formation.
* **Purkinje cells:** Distal dendrites of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum receive inputs from parallel fibers and play a role in motor coordination and learning.
Overall, distal dendrites are highly specialized cellular compartments that play a critical role in neuronal communication and synaptic plasticity. Their unique structure and molecular composition allow them to integrate incoming signals, process information, and contribute to the complex functions of the nervous system.'
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Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
---|---|---|
Excitatory amino acid transporter 3 | An excitatory amino acid transporter 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P43005] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
---|---|---|---|
alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid | alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid: An IBOTENIC ACID homolog and glutamate agonist. The compound is the defining agonist for the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptors (RECEPTORS, AMPA). It has been used as a radionuclide imaging agent but is more commonly used as an experimental tool in cell biological studies. | non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid | |
cysteine | cysteine; cysteine zwitterion; L-alpha-amino acid; proteinogenic amino acid; serine family amino acid | EC 4.3.1.3 (histidine ammonia-lyase) inhibitor; flour treatment agent; human metabolite | |
aspartic acid | aspartic acid : An alpha-amino acid that consists of succinic acid bearing a single alpha-amino substituent Aspartic Acid: One of the non-essential amino acids commonly occurring in the L-form. It is found in animals and plants, especially in sugar cane and sugar beets. It may be a neurotransmitter. L-aspartic acid : The L-enantiomer of aspartic acid. | aspartate family amino acid; aspartic acid; L-alpha-amino acid; proteinogenic amino acid | Escherichia coli metabolite; mouse metabolite; neurotransmitter |
glutamic acid | glutamic acid : An alpha-amino acid that is glutaric acid bearing a single amino substituent at position 2. Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. | glutamic acid; glutamine family amino acid; L-alpha-amino acid; proteinogenic amino acid | Escherichia coli metabolite; ferroptosis inducer; micronutrient; mouse metabolite; neurotransmitter; nutraceutical |
sym 2081 | |||
dihydrokainate | dicarboxylic acid | ||
serine o-sulfate | L-serine O-sulfate : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is the O-sulfo derivative of L-serine. serine O-sulfate: RN given refers to (L)-isomer | L-serine derivative; non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid; O-sulfoamino acid | |
hinokinin | hinokinin : A lignan that is dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (gamma-butyrolactone) substituted by a 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl group at positions 3 and 4 (the 3R,4R-diastereoisomer). hinokinin: suppresses expression of both HBsAg and HBeAg | benzodioxoles; gamma-lactone; lignan | trypanocidal drug |
3-hydroxyaspartic acid, (threo-l)-isomer | (3S)-3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid : The (3S)-diastereomer of 3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid. | 3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid | metabolite |
2-amino-3-phenylmethoxybutanedioic acid | aspartic acid derivative | ||
dl-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate | |||
l-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartate | L-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartate: structure in first source | ||
ucph 101 | 2-amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-(naphthalen-1-yl)-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile: structure in first source |