Dynamic Synapse explores the diverse tools and technologies used to study synaptic processes.

Features:

• Introduces the application of cutting-edge approaches to the study of synapse and receptor biology
• Describes recent advances in the use of proteomics approaches for studying the complement of proteins in the post-synaptic density
• Highlights tools and techniques for studying the membrane trafficking and surface localization of receptors, including biochemical, optical, and electrophysiological approaches
• Explores the use of RNAi technologies for knocking down expression levels of target proteins of interest
• Discusses approaches for transfecting neural tissue, from the introduction of cDNAs into primary neuronal cultures to transfecting neurons in brain slices and nerve cells in vivo
• Includes coverage of methods for achieving long-term alterations in the genetic complement of neurons

Contents

1. Methods for Uncovering the Mechanisms of AMPA Receptor Trafficking
2. Long-Term Plasticity at Inhibitory Synapses: A Phenomenon That Has Been Overlooked
3. New Tricks for an Old Dog: Proteomics of the PSD
4. Phosphorylation Site-Specific Antibodies as Research Tools in Studies of Native GABAA Receptors
5. Protein Palmitoylation by DHHC Protein Family
6. Studying the Localization, Surface Stability and Endocytosis of Neurotransmitter Receptors by Antibody Labeling and Biotinylation Approaches
7. Visualization of AMPAR Trafficking and Surface Expression
8. Neurotransmitter Dynamics
9. Receptor Dynamics at the Cell Surface Studied Using Functional Tagging
10. RNAi and Applications in Neurobiology
11. Transfecting and Transducing Neurons with Synthetic Nucleic Acids and Biologically Active Macromolecules
12. Acute In Vivo Expression of Recombinant Proteins in Rat Brain Using Sindbis Virus
13. Lentivirus-Based Genetic Manipulations in Neurons In Vivo
14. AMPA Receptor Phosphorylation in Synaptic Plasticity: Insights from Knockin Mice
15. Genomic and Post-Genomic Tools for Studying Synapse Biology

Index

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