Protons can tune synaptic signaling by changing the shape of a protein receptor

Synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to changes in their activity, is a central foundation of learning and memory. At synapses, presynaptic cells transmit signals to postsynaptic cells through a dance that is orchestrated by neurotransmitters, protons, receptors, scaffolding proteins, signaling molecules, and more.