Intracellular signalling plays a crucial role in neurotransmission, facilitating communication between neurons and coordinating various processes that underlie synaptic transmission. These signalling pathways are responsible for modulating neurotransmitter release, regulating postsynaptic receptor responses, and influencing synaptic plasticity. The process of neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic neuron is tightly regulated by intracellular signalling pathways. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, it triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to an influx of calcium ions into the neuron. The rise in intracellular calcium concentration activates various proteins involved in the exocytosis of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles. Key players in this process include synaptotagmins and SNARE proteins, which mediate the fusion of vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Intracellular signalling pathways, including calcium-dependent processes, tightly control this release to ensure efficient neurotransmission.Upon neurotransmitter release, neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, initiating intracellular signalling cascades. These cascades often involve the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) or ligand-gated ion channels. GPCRs can activate second messenger pathways, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or inositol trisphosphate (IP3) signalling, which can lead to changes in postsynaptic excitability and gene expression. Ligand-gated ion channels, such as the glutamate receptors NMDA and AMPA, mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission by allowing the flow of ions across the postsynaptic membrane, leading to the generation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). These postsynaptic responses are essential for integrating signals from multiple synapses and regulating overall neuronal activity. Intracellular signalling pathways are also crucial for synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to change their strength in response to activity. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are forms of synaptic plasticity that underlie learning and memory processes. LTP is often initiated by calcium influx through NMDA receptors in the postsynaptic neuron. Calcium activates various signalling molecules, including calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), which leads to the recruitment and insertion of AMPA receptors into the postsynaptic membrane, strengthening the synapse. LTD, on the other hand, involves calcium-dependent signalling pathways that lead to the removal of AMPA receptors from the postsynaptic membrane, weakening the synapse. Both processes are essential for shaping neural circuits and encoding information in the brain. Intracellular signalling in neurotransmission is not limited to the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons; it can also involve retrograde signalling. Retrograde signalling occurs when the postsynaptic neuron releases signalling molecules that influence the function of the presynaptic neuron. For example, endocannabinoids are retrograde messengers that bind to cannabinoid receptors on the presynaptic terminal, modulating neurotransmitter release. This form of signalling allows the postsynaptic neuron to regulate its own input by providing feedback to the presynaptic neuron. Intracellular signalling pathways also contribute to the modulation of synaptic transmission by neuromodulators. Neuromodulators, such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, act on GPCRs to regulate the excitability of neurons and the strength of synaptic connections. These modulatory pathways influence the overall responsiveness of neural circuits, affecting behaviour and cognitive functions. We provide a wide product catalogue of research tools for studying intracellular signaling, including MERTK antibodies, ALK antibodies, Eph receptor A2+A3+A4 antibodies, Phosphotyrosine antibodies, and Ephrin B2 antibodies. Explore our full intracellular signaling product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Kinases, Regulation, and Phosphatases product ranges.