Editorial: Molecular Nanomachines of the Presynaptic Terminal, Volume II

Abstract

The synapse has been designed and refined during animal evolution for two main processes: (1) to translate and transmit information with exquisite spatio-temporal precision, and (2) to prevent the spread of unspecific signals. This resulted in a highly specialized arrangement of molecules, especially on the presynaptic side, to enable the synapse to respond to these pressures. For example, the exocytosis machinery needs to be exquisitely sensitive to meaningful signals and respond precisely to different stimulation patterns. The endocytosis machinery needs to balance exocytosis to prevent changes in synapse shape and volume, but also needs precision in the selective removal of vesicular material, rather than random uptake of membrane components.