The regulated release of neurotransmitter from the presynapse into the synaptic cleft via calcium-regulated exocytosis during synaptic transmission.

The process of synaptic transmission from a neuron to a muscle, across a synapse.

Fusion of intracellular membrane-bounded vesicles with the pre-synaptic membrane of the neuronal cell resulting in release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.

A cellular transport process in which transported substances are moved in membrane-bounded vesicles; transported substances are enclosed in the vesicle lumen or located in the vesicle membrane. The process begins with a step that directs a substance to the forming vesicle, and includes vesicle budding and coating. Vesicles are then targeted to, and fuse with, an acceptor membrane.

A process that modulates synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to change as circumstances require. They may alter function, such as increasing or decreasing their sensitivity, or they may increase or decrease in actual numbers.

The process in which voltage-gated calcium channels become localized together in high densities.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which a gene's coding sequence is converted into a mature gene product or products (proteins or RNA). This includes the production of an RNA transcript as well as any processing to produce a mature RNA product or an mRNA or circRNA (for protein-coding genes) and the translation of that mRNA or circRNA into protein. Protein maturation is included when required to form an active form of a product from an inactive precursor form.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). IPSP is a temporary decrease in postsynaptic membrane potential due to the flow of negatively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an IPSP is an inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) and makes it more difficult for the neuron to fire an action potential.

Any process that enhances the establishment or increases the extent of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) which is a temporary increase in postsynaptic potential due to the flow of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an EPSP is an excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) and makes it easier for the neuron to fire an action potential.

The release of intracellular molecules (e.g. hormones, matrix proteins) contained within a membrane-bounded vesicle by fusion of the vesicle with the plasma membrane of a cell, induced by a rise in cytosolic calcium-ion levels.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). IPSP is a temporary decrease in postsynaptic membrane potential due to the flow of negatively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an IPSP is an inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) and makes it more difficult for the neuron to fire an action potential.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of dendrite extension.

The regulated release of neurotransmitter from the presynapse into the synaptic cleft via calcium-regulated exocytosis during synaptic transmission.

The regulated release of neurotransmitter from the presynapse into the synaptic cleft via calcium-regulated exocytosis during synaptic transmission.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which a gene's coding sequence is converted into a mature gene product or products (proteins or RNA). This includes the production of an RNA transcript as well as any processing to produce a mature RNA product or an mRNA or circRNA (for protein-coding genes) and the translation of that mRNA or circRNA into protein. Protein maturation is included when required to form an active form of a product from an inactive precursor form.

The controlled release of glutamate by a cell. The glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system.

Fusion of intracellular membrane-bounded vesicles with the pre-synaptic membrane of the neuronal cell resulting in release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.

The initial (indirect) attachment of a synaptic vesicle membrane to the presynaptic active zone membrane, mediated by proteins protruding from the membrane and proteins of the presynaptic active zone cytoplasmic component. Synaptic vesicle tethering is the first step in this process.

The initial (indirect) attachment of a synaptic vesicle membrane to the presynaptic active zone membrane, mediated by proteins protruding from the membrane and proteins of the presynaptic active zone cytoplasmic component. Synaptic vesicle tethering is the first step in this process.

A process that converts synaptic vesicles to a state of competence for calcium triggered fusion with the active zone membrane by bringing the two membranes into very close proximity. Priming typically (but not always) occurs after docking (Jahn and Fasshauer, 2012). Primed vesicles are also capable of spontaneously fusing with the active zone membrane.

A process that converts synaptic vesicles to a state of competence for calcium triggered fusion with the active zone membrane by bringing the two membranes into very close proximity. Priming typically (but not always) occurs after docking (Jahn and Fasshauer, 2012). Primed vesicles are also capable of spontaneously fusing with the active zone membrane.

The release of intracellular molecules (e.g. hormones, matrix proteins) contained within a membrane-bounded vesicle by fusion of the vesicle with the plasma membrane of a cell, induced by a rise in cytosolic calcium-ion levels.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of exocytosis.

Any intracellular signal transduction in which the signal is passed on within the cell via cyclic AMP (cAMP). Includes production of cAMP, and downstream effectors that further transmit the signal within the cell.

The regulated release of proinsulin from secretory granules accompanied by cleavage of proinsulin to form mature insulin. In vertebrates, insulin is secreted from B granules in the B cells of the vertebrate pancreas and from insulin-producing cells in insects.

Any process that modulates the establishment or extent of a membrane potential, the electric potential existing across any membrane arising from charges in the membrane itself and from the charges present in the media on either side of the membrane.

Any process that modulates the establishment or extent of a membrane potential, the electric potential existing across any membrane arising from charges in the membrane itself and from the charges present in the media on either side of the membrane.

A process of exocytosis in which soluble proteins and other substances are initially stored in secretory vesicles for later release. It is found mainly in cells that are specialized for secreting products such as hormones, neurotransmitters, or digestive enzymes rapidly on demand.

The controlled release of a substance by a cell or a tissue.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of the regulated release of a neurotransmitter from a cell.

The release of a neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft by exocytosis of synaptic vesicles, where the release step is dependent on a rise in cytosolic calcium ion levels.

The release of a neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft by exocytosis of synaptic vesicles, where the release step is dependent on a rise in cytosolic calcium ion levels.

The calcium ion regulated exocytosis which results in fusion of the acrosomal vesicle with the plasma membrane of the sperm as part of the acrosome reaction.

The membrane organization process that joins two lipid bilayers to form a single membrane.

Neurotransmitter secretion that occurs in the absence of the action of a secretagogue or a presynaptic action potential.

Neurotransmitter secretion that occurs in the absence of the action of a secretagogue or a presynaptic action potential.

The aggregation, arrangement and bonding together of a set of macromolecules to form a protein-containing complex.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of dendrite extension.

Any process that enhances the establishment or increases the extent of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) which is a temporary increase in postsynaptic potential due to the flow of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an EPSP is an excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) and makes it easier for the neuron to fire an action potential.

A process of secretion by a cell that results in the release of intracellular molecules (e.g. hormones, matrix proteins) contained within a membrane-bounded vesicle. Exocytosis can occur either by full fusion, when the vesicle collapses into the plasma membrane, or by a kiss-and-run mechanism that involves the formation of a transient contact, a pore, between a granule (for exemple of chromaffin cells) and the plasma membrane. The latter process most of the time leads to only partial secretion of the granule content. Exocytosis begins with steps that prepare vesicles for fusion with the membrane (tethering and docking) and ends when molecules are secreted from the cell.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of synaptic vesicle priming. Synaptic vesicle priming is the formation of SNARE-containing complexes, bringing synaptic vesicle membrane and plasma membranes into close proximity and thereby facilitating membrane fusion.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of synaptic vesicle priming. Synaptic vesicle priming is the formation of SNARE-containing complexes, bringing synaptic vesicle membrane and plasma membranes into close proximity and thereby facilitating membrane fusion.

The release of intracellular molecules (e.g. hormones, matrix proteins) contained within a membrane-bounded vesicle by fusion of the vesicle with the plasma membrane of a cell, induced by a rise in cytosolic calcium-ion levels.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of exocytosis.

Any intracellular signal transduction in which the signal is passed on within the cell via cyclic AMP (cAMP). Includes production of cAMP, and downstream effectors that further transmit the signal within the cell.

The regulated release of proinsulin from secretory granules accompanied by cleavage of proinsulin to form mature insulin. In vertebrates, insulin is secreted from B granules in the B cells of the vertebrate pancreas and from insulin-producing cells in insects.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of synaptic vesicle fusion to the presynaptic membrane.

A process that modulates long-term neuronal synaptic plasticity, the ability of neuronal synapses to change long-term as circumstances require. Long-term neuronal synaptic plasticity generally involves increase or decrease in actual synapse numbers.

A process that modulates synaptic plasticity such that synapses are changed resulting in the increase in the rate, or frequency of synaptic transmission at the synapse.

A process that modulates synaptic plasticity such that synapses are changed resulting in the increase in the rate, or frequency of synaptic transmission at the synapse.

The calcium ion regulated exocytosis which results in fusion of the acrosomal vesicle with the plasma membrane of the sperm as part of the acrosome reaction.

The aggregation, arrangement and bonding together of a set of macromolecules to form a protein-containing complex.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). IPSP is a temporary decrease in postsynaptic membrane potential due to the flow of negatively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell. The flow of ions that causes an IPSP is an inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) and makes it more difficult for the neuron to fire an action potential.

A secretory organelle, typically 50 nm in diameter, of presynaptic nerve terminals; accumulates in high concentrations of neurotransmitters and secretes these into the synaptic cleft by fusion with the 'active zone' of the presynaptic plasma membrane.

A specialized region of the plasma membrane and cell cortex of a presynaptic neuron; encompasses a region of the plasma membrane where synaptic vesicles dock and fuse, and a specialized cortical cytoskeletal matrix.

The membrane surrounding a cell that separates the cell from its external environment. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer and associated proteins.

A specialized area of membrane of the axon terminal that faces the plasma membrane of the neuron or muscle fiber with which the axon terminal establishes a synaptic junction; many synaptic junctions exhibit structural presynaptic characteristics, such as conical, electron-dense internal protrusions, that distinguish it from the remainder of the axon plasma membrane.

A specialized region of the plasma membrane and cell cortex of a presynaptic neuron; encompasses a region of the plasma membrane where synaptic vesicles dock and fuse, and a specialized cortical cytoskeletal matrix.

A specialized region below the presynaptic membrane, characterized by electron-dense material, a specialized cytoskeletal matrix and accumulated (associated) synaptic vesicles.

A synapse that uses glutamate as a neurotransmitter.

The part of the cytoplasm that does not contain organelles but which does contain other particulate matter, such as protein complexes.

A specialized area of membrane of the axon terminal that faces the plasma membrane of the neuron or muscle fiber with which the axon terminal establishes a synaptic junction; many synaptic junctions exhibit structural presynaptic characteristics, such as conical, electron-dense internal protrusions, that distinguish it from the remainder of the axon plasma membrane.

The junction between a nerve fiber of one neuron and another neuron, muscle fiber or glial cell. As the nerve fiber approaches the synapse it enlarges into a specialized structure, the presynaptic nerve ending, which contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles. At the tip of the nerve ending is the presynaptic membrane; facing it, and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft) is a specialized area of membrane on the receiving cell, known as the postsynaptic membrane. In response to the arrival of nerve impulses, the presynaptic nerve ending secretes molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.

A synapse in which an action potential in the presynaptic cell reduces the probability of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic cell.

A specialized region below the presynaptic membrane, characterized by electron-dense material, a specialized cytoskeletal matrix and accumulated (associated) synaptic vesicles.

A synapse that uses glutamate as a neurotransmitter.

A synapse that uses GABA as a neurotransmitter. These synapses are typically inhibitory.

A synapse that uses GABA as a neurotransmitter. These synapses are typically inhibitory.

The membrane surrounding a cell that separates the cell from its external environment. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer and associated proteins.

The membrane surrounding a cell that separates the cell from its external environment. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer and associated proteins.

An electron dense network of proteins within and adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane of an asymmetric, neuron-neuron synapse. Its major components include neurotransmitter receptors and the proteins that spatially and functionally organize them such as anchoring and scaffolding molecules, signaling enzymes and cytoskeletal components.

Any small, fluid-filled, spherical organelle enclosed by membrane.

A stable assembly of two or more macromolecules, i.e. proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates or lipids, in which at least one component is a protein and the constituent parts function together.

A stable assembly of two or more macromolecules, i.e. proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates or lipids, in which at least one component is a protein and the constituent parts function together.

A specialized area of membrane of the axon terminal that faces the plasma membrane of the neuron or muscle fiber with which the axon terminal establishes a synaptic junction; many synaptic junctions exhibit structural presynaptic characteristics, such as conical, electron-dense internal protrusions, that distinguish it from the remainder of the axon plasma membrane.

A specialized area of membrane of the axon terminal that faces the plasma membrane of the neuron or muscle fiber with which the axon terminal establishes a synaptic junction; many synaptic junctions exhibit structural presynaptic characteristics, such as conical, electron-dense internal protrusions, that distinguish it from the remainder of the axon plasma membrane.

The junction between a nerve fiber of one neuron and another neuron, muscle fiber or glial cell. As the nerve fiber approaches the synapse it enlarges into a specialized structure, the presynaptic nerve ending, which contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles. At the tip of the nerve ending is the presynaptic membrane; facing it, and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft) is a specialized area of membrane on the receiving cell, known as the postsynaptic membrane. In response to the arrival of nerve impulses, the presynaptic nerve ending secretes molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.

The specialized cytoskeletal matrix of the presynaptic active zone. It has specialized functions in organizing synaptic events such as immobilisation or translocation of synaptic vesicles, and assembling active zone components. It is believed to form a molecular scaffold that organizes neurotransmitter release sites.

A vesicle that is released into the extracellular region by fusion of the limiting endosomal membrane of a multivesicular body with the plasma membrane. Extracellular exosomes, also simply called exosomes, have a diameter of about 40-100 nm.

A ribbon synapse between a retinal photoreceptor cell (rod or cone) and a retinal bipolar cell. These contain a plate-like synaptic ribbon.

A ribbon synapse between a retinal photoreceptor cell (rod or cone) and a retinal bipolar cell. These contain a plate-like synaptic ribbon.

A specialized region below the presynaptic membrane, characterized by electron-dense material, a specialized cytoskeletal matrix and accumulated (associated) synaptic vesicles.

A synapse that uses glutamate as a neurotransmitter.