中国科学技术大学最新Science论文：揭开神经信号传递中的“亲吻-收缩-逃逸”机制

Core Viewpoint - The recent research published in Science introduces a new model called "Kiss-Shrink-Run" that unifies the mechanisms of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and hyperfast recycling, providing new insights into neural signal transmission and related brain diseases [4][10]. Group 1: Research Background - The study addresses a long-standing debate in neuroscience regarding the mechanisms of synaptic vesicle release, which has persisted for half a century [4]. - Two opposing models, Full-collapse and Kiss-and-run, have been the focus of this debate, but technological limitations have hindered resolution [4][10]. Group 2: Methodology - The research team developed a millisecond time-resolved in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) imaging technique to capture the biophysical processes of synaptic vesicle release and rapid recycling [4][5]. - By coupling optogenetic stimulation with rapid freezing techniques, the team was able to capture the instantaneous states of vesicle release at various time intervals (4-300 milliseconds) [5][8]. Group 3: Key Findings - The study revealed a new intermediate state of synaptic vesicles, identified as small vesicles approximately 29 nanometers in diameter, which are hypothesized to represent a transitional phase during vesicle release [5][10]. - The research outlines a complete process of synaptic vesicle release and rapid recycling, indicating that vesicles first form a ~4 nanometer fusion pore ("Kiss") within 4 milliseconds, then shrink to half their original surface area ("Shrink"), and most small vesicles begin to recycle within 70 milliseconds ("Run") [8][10]. Group 4: Implications - This new "Kiss-Shrink-Run" mechanism not only reconciles the two previously conflicting models but also highlights the structural basis for efficient and high-fidelity neural transmission [10]. - The innovative techniques developed in this research may have broader applications for studying dynamic processes within cells [10].