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    Scientists Discover New Kind of Synapse in Neurons’ Tiny Hairs

    September 5, 2022, Categories  Health/Medical, Biology/Biotechnology

    20220901_synapse_illustrated450.png
    This graphic shows a model of the serotonergic axo-ciliary synapse. The serotonergic axon comes from the brainstem (blue) and contacts the primary cilia (yellow). Cilia-specific serotonin receptors constitute a distinct signaling pathway to the nucleus. Activation of this pathway modulates nuclear actin, increases histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility. Credit: Sheu et al./Cell

    Scientists at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus have discovered a new kind of synapse in the tiny hairs on the surface of neurons.

    The commonly overlooked protrusions called primary cilia contain special junctions that act as a shortcut for sending signals quickly and directly to the cell’s nucleus, inducing changes to the cell’s chromatin that forms chromosomes.

    “This special synapse represents a wa...

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