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Neuroscience

Faster than kiss-and-run

Nature volume 504, pages 220–221 (2013)Cite this article

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An ultrafast mode of vesicle endocytosis — a crucial process occurring at neural junctions that underpins brain function — has been uncovered. Long-standing models of endocytosis will therefore need to be re-evaluated. See Article p.242

The rapid propagation and exchange of signals between the neurons in our brains conveys information about sensory stimuli and underpins our thoughts, dreams and memories. This signalling requires the constant formation, absorption and recycling of vesicles that secrete neurotransmitter molecules at the junctions between neurons (synapses). On page 242 of this issue, Watanabe et al.1 report that an ingenious combination of techniques has allowed them to identify a previously unknown form of endocytosis — the fundamentally important process by which the vesicular membranes are recycled. The results are exciting, compelling and totally unexpected. Furthermore, the authors' technical innovations promise to reveal the inner workings of vesicle recycling at unprecedented temporal resolution.

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Figure 1: Ultrafast endocytosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Soyoun Cho and Henrique von Gersdorff are at the Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.,

    Soyoun Cho & Henrique von Gersdorff

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  1. Soyoun Cho
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  2. Henrique von Gersdorff
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Correspondence to Henrique von Gersdorff.

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Cho, S., von Gersdorff, H. Faster than kiss-and-run. Nature 504, 220–221 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12842

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