Chemical synapses are heterogeneous junctions formed between neurons that are specialized for the conversion of electrical impulses into the exocytotic release of neurotransmitters. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels play a pivotal role in this process as they are the major conduits for the Ca2+ ions that trigger the fusion of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. Alterations in the intrinsic function of these channels and their positioning within the active zone can profoundly alter the timing and strength of synaptic output. Advances in optical and electron microscopic imaging, structural biology and molecular techniques have facilitated recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the properties of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels that support their presynaptic functions. Here we examine the nature of these channels, how they are trafficked to and anchored within presynaptic boutons, and the mechanisms that allow them to function optimally in shaping the flow of information through neural circuits.

中文翻译：

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突触前钙通道：专门控制突触神经递质的释放。

化学突触是神经元之间形成的异质连接，专门用于将电脉冲转换为神经递质的胞吐释放。电压门控 Ca2+ 通道在此过程中发挥着关键作用，因为它们是触发含有神经递质的囊泡与突触前膜融合的 Ca2+ 离子的主要管道。这些通道的内在功能及其在活动区内的定位的改变可以深刻地改变突触输出的时间和强度。光学和电子显微成像、结构生物学和分子技术的进步促进了我们对支持其突触前功能的电压门控 Ca2+ 通道特性的理解取得了突破。在这里，我们研究这些通道的性质，它们如何被传输到突触前纽带并锚定在突触前纽带中，以及使它们能够在塑造神经回路信息流方面发挥最佳作用的机制。