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- News from the Institutes
New Insights into the Molecular Basis of Ataxia
Receptor responsible for stress-induced motor incoordination in people with ataxia identified.
10.10.2025
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- Krankheiten
- Successful aging
Molecular Detectives
We are our memories. But neural firing alone cannot unravel the traces of memory.
01.02.2026
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- Glossary
NMDA receptor
NMDA receptors are specialized receptor channels in the membrane of nerve cells that only open under very specific conditions. First, the neurotransmitter glutamate must bind to the receptor, and second, the receptor needs a cofactor such as glycine or D-serine. In addition, the postsynaptic cell membrane must be depolarized so that the magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) normally located in the channel pore is removed. If these conditions are met, an ion channel opens in the center of the receptor and allows calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in particular, but also sodium ions (Na⁺), to flow into the cell, while potassium ions (K⁺) flow out of the cell. The cell can respond to the influx of calcium in a variety of ways. NMDA receptors enable the brain to modify synaptic connections throughout life. They are crucial for forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) and thus play a central role in the formation and storage of memory content.
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- Percipience
- Smell & Taste
The Secret of Taste Perception
We don't just taste with our tongues. Many senses work together to create the taste experience.
02.09.2025
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- Glossary
Receptor
A receptor is a protein, usually located in the cell membrane or inside the cell, that recognizes a specific external signal (e.g., a neurotransmitter, hormone, or other ligand) and causes the cell to trigger a defined response. Depending on the type of receptor, this response can be excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory.
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- Glossary
Antagonist
Due to the lock-and-key principle, transmitters (messenger substances) can only bind to specific receptors. An antagonist can be so similar to this transmitter that it can bind to this receptor. It thus prevents the actual transmitter from activating the receptor and becoming effective. There are also antagonists that do not bind directly to the receptor but alter the "lock," i.e., the receptor, so that the key no longer fits.
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- Grundlagen
- Communication in the Brain
Neurotransmitters: Messenger Molecules in the Brain
“Happy hormone” & Co.: Without neurotransmitters, nerve cells would not be able to communicate.
05.08.2025
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- Page
Glossar
15.03.2017
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- News from the Institutes
New Highly Effective Bitter Compound Identified
Mushroom study expands knowledge of natural bitter compounds
07.04.2025
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- Percipience
- Smell & Taste
The Anatomy of Fragrance
Olfactory cells extend directly into the olfactory bulb of the brain, where the scent is assembled.
06.08.2018
