Ribbon Synapse

Group Members: Myself, Daniel Kim, John Yeom, Jonathan Arone

Overview

A ribbon synapse is an organelle generally expressed in cells where a high rate of continued release of neurotransmitter release. It is common among photoreceptor cells, auditory cells, vestibular hair cells, and in electrosensory receptors.

Biological Structure

The ribbon can vary in length from 200–1000 nm. Several proteins associated with the ribbon like RIM, GTPase, RIBEYE, CtBP2, KIF3A, Bassoon, Piccolo have been identified.

Function

Features of the ribbon synapse enable it to process information extremely fast. This makes the ribbon synapse critical for the perception of complex senses such as vision and hearing. Therefore ribbon synapses are found in retinal photoreceptor cells, vestibular organ receptors, cochlear hair cells and retinal bipolar cells.

Abnormalities

Discussion of any complications associated with abnormal functioning of RS.

Clinical Significance

What abnormalities can cause as complications, and what researchers are studying now.

Division of Work

We divided the work evenly and will meet over the course of the semester to edit the page together.

References

1)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1764598/?tool=pubmed

2)http://www.springerlink.com/content/an8152n60n738530/fulltext.pdf

3)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1383430/pdf/nihms8434.pdf