Synaptic cleft geometry modulates NMDAR opening probability by tuning neurotransmitter residence time.

Abstract

Synaptic morphology plays a critical role in modulating the dynamics of neurotransmitter diffusion and receptor activation in interneuron communication. Central physical aspects of synaptic geometry, such as the curvature of the synaptic cleft, the distance between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes, and the surface-area-to-volume ratio of the cleft, crucially influence glutamate diffusion and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) opening probabilities. In this study, we developed a stochastic model for receptor activation using realistic synaptic geometries. Our simulations revealed substantial variability in NMDAR activation, showing a significant impact of synaptic structure on receptor activation. Next, we designed a theoretical study with idealized cleft geometries to understand the impact of different biophysical properties on receptor activation. Specifically, we found that increasing the curvature of the synaptic membranes could compensate for reduced NMDAR activation when the synaptic cleft width was large. Additionally, nonparallel membrane configurations, such as convex presynapses or concave postsynaptic densities, maximize NMDAR activation by increasing the surface-area-to-volume ratio, thereby increasing glutamate residence time and reducing glutamate escape. Furthermore, clustering NMDARs within the postsynaptic density significantly increased receptor activation across different geometric conditions and mitigated the effects of synaptic morphology on NMDAR opening probabilities. These findings highlight the complex interplay between synaptic geometry and receptor dynamics and provide important insights into how structural modifications can influence synaptic efficacy and plasticity. By considering the major physical factors that affect neurotransmitter diffusion and receptor activation, our work offers a comprehensive understanding of how variations in synaptic geometry may regulate neurotransmission.