Synaptic Machinery for Protein Homeostasis


Published October 25, 2023

Our next Special Edition Virtual Pub, “Multiscale Imaging in the Neurosciences,” organized in collaboration with EBRAINS, will take place on Friday, October 27. At this event, we will explore the potential areas of collaboration between EBRAINS and Euro-BioImaging and highlight the expertise of selected Euro-BioImaging Nodes in the Neuroscience domain.

When: October 27, 2023, from 13:00-15:00 CEST

Where: Online

At this event, Chao Sun of the Danish BioImaging Node, explains how single-molecule localization microscopy can support neuroscience research. Join us on Friday, October 27, to hear this talk and others like it.

Full program

Register

Abstract

Synaptic Machinery for Protein Homeostasis

Chao Sun, Danish BioImaging Node

An individual neuron hosts about 10000 synapses in its expansive dendritic and axonal arbor. To support parallel synaptic computation and plasticity, both protein synthesis and degradation machines are localized to remodel individual synaptic proteomes on site. To measure the local protein -synthesis and -degradation capacity, we counted the copy numbers of dendritic ribosomes and proteasomes via single-molecule localization microscopy. In combination with metabolic labeling and single-spine plasticity induction, we reveal the spatial specificity of activity-induced local protein synthesis. The single-molecule resolution further affords quantitative mapping of different proteasome assembly states and reveals a surprising abundance of free regulatory particles 19S in dendrites. These 'solitary' dendritic proteasome regulatory particles regulate synaptic transmission via atypical ubiquitin signaling of key synaptic proteins such as AMPA receptors. As such, synapses can use alternative machine formats to carry out different functions, akin to protein ‘moonlighting’.


More news from Euro-BioImaging

Figure 2 from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-025-01637-6

April 29, 2025

Innovation for Tracking chromosome dynamics

Cell division is the fundamental process in living organisms – the basis for growth and survival of both single- and multicellular systems. As part…

Seeds in the PET/CT scanner at DIMP NEUROMED Node.

April 28, 2025

Beyond the husk – shining light on seed quality through molecular imaging

Seed quality is absolutely key to the success of both agronomically relevant crops and forest tree species used for restoration strategies. Forest restoration activities,…

10 Year Anniversary Celebration - CZ BioImaging

April 25, 2025

Czech-BioImaging celebrates its 10 year anniversary!

In 2025, Czech-BioImaging celebrates its 10th anniversary. Czech-BioImaging is the national infrastructure that brings together 16 leading imaging centers across the Czech Republic,…