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 XXXX channels and uncoupling proteins in synaptic plasticity and neuronal cell @entity204 .

@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']
@entity972 :: (MESH:D011188,Chemical) :: ['potassium']
