PTEN is recruited to the postsynaptic terminal for NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) is an important regulator of phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5,)-trisphosphate signalling, which controls cell growth and differentiation. However, PTEN is also highly expressed in the adult brain, in which it can be found in dendritic spines in hippocampus and other brain regions. Here, we have investigated specific functions of PTEN in the regulation of synaptic function in excitatory hippocampal synapses.

PIP3 controls synaptic function by maintaining AMPA receptor clustering at the postsynaptic membrane.

Despite their low abundance, phosphoinositides are critical regulators of intracellular signaling and membrane compartmentalization. However, little is known of phosphoinositide function at the postsynaptic membrane. Here we show that continuous synthesis and availability of phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) at the postsynaptic terminal is necessary for sustaining synaptic function in rat hippocampal neurons.

Functional compartmentalization of endosomal trafficking for the synaptic delivery of AMPA receptors during long-term potentiation.

Endosomal membrane trafficking in dendritic spines is important for proper synaptic function and plasticity. However, little is known about the molecular identity and functional compartmentalization of the membrane trafficking machinery operating at the postsynaptic terminal. Here we report that the transport of AMPA-type glutamate receptors into synapses occurs in two discrete steps, and we identify the specific endosomal functions that control this process during long-term potentiation.