EM Syncam Proteins (IMAGE)

University of California - San Diego

EM Syncam Proteins

Caption

The new electron microscopy technique reveals the previously unknown locations of two neuronal proteins called SynCAM1 and SynCAM2. The first is an adhesion protein found at the synapse -- or communications link -- of neurons sending information. Its close relative, SynCAM2, is used by neurons receiving information. Neurons that send information are distinguishable because they contain synaptic vesicles, which are used to store neurotransmitters for communications use. In these images, the vesicles resemble small hollow circles.

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UC San Diego School of Medicine

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