Extracellular phosphorylation via VLK animation (VIDEO)

University of Texas at Dallas

Caption

This original animation illustrates that presynaptic neurons secrete VLK, which then phosphorylates the extracellular side of ephrin type-B receptor 2 (EphB2) extruding from the membranes of postsynaptic nerve cells. This unique process attracts N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor proteins, which then cluster in the membrane with the EphB2 receptors. NMDA receptors play a key role in learning and memory formation by regulating the electrical potential of neurons to strengthen synaptic connections.

Credit

Rachael Drury / University of Texas at Dallas animation

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