de Jong, Arthur P. H.Fioravante, Diasynou2014-12-022014de Jong, Arthur P. H., and Diasynou Fioravante. 2014. “Translating neuronal activity at the synapse: presynaptic calcium sensors in short-term plasticity.” Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 8 (1): 356. doi:10.3389/fncel.2014.00356. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2014.00356.1662-5102http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:13454838The complex manner in which patterns of presynaptic neural activity are translated into short-term plasticity (STP) suggests the existence of multiple presynaptic calcium (Ca2+) sensors, which regulate the amplitude and time-course of STP and are the focus of this review. We describe two canonical Ca2+-binding protein domains (C2 domains and EF-hands) and define criteria that need to be met for a protein to qualify as a Ca2+ sensor mediating STP. With these criteria in mind, we discuss various forms of STP and identify established and putative Ca2+ sensors. We find that despite the multitude of proposed sensors, only three are well established in STP: Munc13, protein kinase C (PKC) and synaptotagmin-7. For putative sensors, we pinpoint open questions and potential pitfalls. Finally, we discuss how the molecular properties and modes of action of Ca2+ sensors can explain their differential involvement in STP and shape net synaptic output.en-USmini Review ArticleC2 domainprotein kinase CMunc13synaptotagmincalmodulinpost-tetanic potentiationresidual calciumshort-term plasticityJournal Article2014-12-0210.3389/fncel.2014.00356