Diagram of Synapse Maturation Process (IMAGE) Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan Caption Two neighboring brain cells "talk" to one another by sending signals across a gap called a synapse. The more active the synapse during development, U-M researchers found, the more a protein called SIRP-alpha is cut loose from one cell, travels to the other, and helps stabilize the synapse for the future. Credit Umemori Lab, University of Michigan Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.