Active presynaptic ribosomes in mammalian brain nerve terminals, and increased transmitter release after protein synthesis inhibition

Presynaptic neuronal activity requires the localization of thousands of proteins that are typically synthesized in the soma and transported to nerve terminals. Local translation for some dendritic proteins occurs, but local translation in mammalian presynaptic nerve terminals is difficult to demonstrate. Here, we present evidence for local presynaptic protein synthesis in the mammalian brain at a glutamatergic nerve terminal. We show an essential ribosomal component, 5.8s rRNA, in terminals. We also show active translation in nerve terminals, in situ, in brain slices demonstrating ongoing presynaptic protein synthesis. After inhibiting translation for ~1 hour, the presynaptic terminal exhibits increased spontaneous release, and increased evoked release with an increase in vesicle recycling during stimulation trains. Postsynaptic response, shape and amplitude were not affected. We conclude that ongoing protein synthesis limits vesicle release at the nerve terminal which reduces the need for presynaptic vesicle replenishment, thus conserving energy required for maintaining synaptic transmission.