The function of the nervous system relies upon synaptic transmission, a process in which a neurotransmitter released from pre-synaptic terminals of one neuron (in response to membrane depolarization and @entity460 influx) activates post-synaptic receptors on dendrites of another neuron. Synapses are subjected to repeated bouts of oxidative and metabolic stress as the result of changing ion gradients and @entity855 usage. Mitochondria play central roles in meeting the demands of synapses for @entity855 and in regulating @entity460 homeostasis, and @entity2383 can cause dysfunction and degeneration of synapses, and can trigger cell @entity204 . We have identified two types of mitochondrial proteins that serve the function of protecting synapses and neurons against dysfunction and @entity204 . Mitochondrial @entity855 -sensitive @entity972 (MitoKATP) channels modulate inner membrane potential and oxyradical production; mitochondrial @entity972 fluxes can affect @entity4674 release and caspase activation and may determine whether neurons live or die in experimental models of @entity64 and @entity195 . Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are a family of mitochondrial membrane proteins that uncouple electron transport from @entity855 production by transporting protons across the inner membrane. Neurons express at least three UCPs including the widely expressed @entity5912 and the neuron-specific @entity70373 and @entity30168 ( @entity30168 ). We have found that @entity70373 protects neurons against apoptosis by a mechanism involving suppression of oxyradical production and stabilization of cellular @entity460 homeostasis. The expression of @entity70373 is itself regulated by changes in energy metabolism. In addition to their roles in neuronal cell survival and @entity204 , MitoKATP channels and UCPs may play roles in regulating neuronal differentiation during development and synaptic plasticity in the adult.

Mitochondrial @entity972 channels and uncoupling proteins in synaptic plasticity and neuronal cell XXXX .

@entity64 :: ('MESH:D020521', 'Disease') :: ['stroke'] @entity4674 :: ('54205', 'Gene') :: ['cytochrome c'] @entity70373 :: ('9481', 'Gene') :: ['UCP-4'] @entity195 :: ('MESH:D000544', 'Disease') :: ["Alzheimer's disease"] @entity5912 :: ('7351', 'Gene') :: ['UCP-2'] @entity460 :: ('MESH:D002118', 'Chemical') :: ['calcium'] @entity972 :: ('MESH:D011188', 'Chemical') :: ['potassium'] @entity204 :: ('MESH:D003643', 'Disease') :: ['death'] @entity30168 :: ('9016', 'Gene') :: ['BMCP-1', 'UCP-5'] @entity855 :: ('MESH:D000255', 'Chemical') :: ['ATP'] @entity2383 :: ('MESH:D028361', 'Disease') :: ['mitochondrial dysfunction']
@entity204 :: (MESH:D003643,Disease) :: ['death']
