Nanodomain coupling explains Ca^2+ independence of transmitter release time course at a fast central synapse

A puzzling property of synaptic transmission, originally established at the neuromuscular junction, is that the time course of transmitter release is independent of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o), whereas the rate of release is highly [Ca2+]o-dependent. Here, we examine the time course of release at inhibitory basket cell-Purkinje cell synapses and show that it is independent of [Ca2+]o. Modeling of Ca2+-dependent transmitter release suggests that the invariant time course of release critically depends on tight coupling between Ca2+ channels and release sensors. Experiments with exogenous Ca2+ chelators reveal that channel-sensor coupling at basket cell-Purkinje cell synapses is very tight, with a mean distance of 10–20 nm. Thus, tight channel-sensor coupling provides a mechanistic explanation for the apparent [Ca2+]o independence of the time course of release

A novel fast mechanism for GPCR-mediated signal transduction—control of neurotransmitter release

In addition to calcium influx, charge movement in the G protein–coupled M2-muscarinic receptor is required for the control of acetylcholine release

The escapist's guide to Redonda

"The Escapist’s Guide to Redonda is a tongue-in-cheek fictional travel guidebook that I designed and wrote for the Caribbean island micronation of Redonda. The double-sided dust jacket functions as a map and travel poster. The project aims to entertain through creating a momentary escape from the afflictions of reality, in the vein of armchair travelling. Inspired by recent travels and coming back to an unsettled social and political climate, I wanted my project to pretty much save the world and address the traumas of our age. I soon realised that this subject matter was labyrinthine. I decided to provide disillusioned people with the antithesis of trauma - relief, via a paradisiacal holiday destination. Redonda exists (I recommend looking it up!) but I have taken liberties in its representation. This is hinted at through collage, suggesting fabrication, interwoven with photography and text. The visual and written language evoke a past age when travel was an exciting and ceremonial experience; an escape.

The Hydrogen Bond

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