Characterization of an atypical vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT3): vesicular synergy and point mutation

为了相互交流，神经系统的神经元使用电信号和化学信使的组合。这些被称为神经递质的信使被神经元释放和重新吸收。在脑神经递质中，乙酰胆碱(ACh)和5-羟色胺(或5-羟色胺)是众所周知的。这两个调节系统涉及许多大脑功能，如运动活动、奖赏学习行为、记忆和情绪调节。长期以来，使用ACh和5-羟色胺的神经元一直被认为只释放一种神经递质。我们最近有了一个令人惊讶的发现，它们还可以使用另一种神经递质：谷氨酸。在这种背景下，我们的研究计划的主要目的是更好地了解神经元如何、何时和在哪里变得“双语”。我们对谷氨酸作为ACh或5HT神经元传递的潜在调节剂的研究可能有助于更好地理解脑神经传递的分子机制。

To communicate with each other, neurons of the nervous system use a combination of electrical signals and chemical messengers. These messengers, called neurotransmitters are released and reuptaken by neurons. Among brain neurotransmitters, acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (or 5-HT) are quite well known. These two modulatory systems are involved in numerous brain functions such as, locomotor activity, reward learning behavior, memory and mood regulation. Neurons using ACh and 5-HT have long been believed to release only one neurotransmitter. We recently made the surprising discovery that they can also use another neurotransmitter: glutamate. In this context, the main purpose of our research program is to better understand how, when and where neurons become "bilingual". Our study of glutamate as a potential regulator of the transmission of ACh or 5HT neurons could lead to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying brain neurotransmission.