Excitatory synaptic transmission takes place at actin-rich protrusions called dendritic spines. Strong synaptic input activates NMDA-type glutamate receptors and induces calcium flux into these structures, initiating a program of cytoskeletal rearrangement that results in larger spines with stronger synapses. These changes in synaptic strength are thought to be the primary cellular mechanism underlying learning and memory. We recently reported that the dual Ras/Rac1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) RasGRF2 links calcium flux to both spine enlargement and synaptic strengthening through its Rac-GEF activity. Additionally, we demonstrated that acute Rac1 activation is sufficient to enhance synaptic transmission. Since Rac1 is a major regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, these results suggest that the cytoskeleton itself regulates synaptic strengthening. Here we discuss models for how cytoskeletal modifications may enhance synaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptor abundance during long-term potentiation.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3914911 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/cib.27343 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis accurately predicts multiple impairments in hippocampal activity and memory performance in a murine model of idiopathic autism.
Sci Rep
January 2025
Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises alterations in brain anatomy and physiology that ultimately affect information processing and behavior. In most cases, autism is considered idiopathic, involving alterations in numerous genes whose functions are not extensively documented. We evaluated the C58/J mouse strain as an idiopathic model of ASD, emphasizing synaptic transmission as the basis of information processing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPreclinical and clinical study on type 3 metabotropic glutamate receptors in Parkinson's disease.
NPJ Parkinsons Dis
January 2025
Department of Molecular Pathology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are candidate drug targets for therapeutic intervention in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we focused on mGlu3, a receptor subtype involved in synaptic regulation and neuroinflammation. mGlu3 mice showed an enhanced nigro-striatal damage and microglial activation in response to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe RNA-binding properties of Annexins.
J Mol Biol
January 2025
Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Italy; The Wohl Institute, King's College London, 5 Cutcombe Rd, SW59RT London, UK. Electronic address:
Annexins are a family of calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins involved in crucial cellular processes such as cell division, calcium signaling, vesicle trafficking, membrane repair, and apoptosis. In addition to these properties, Annexins have also been shown to bind RNA, although this function is not universally recognized. In the attempt to clarify this important issue, we employed an integrated combination of experimental and computational approaches.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFXinnaoxin capsule alleviates neuropathological changes and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease mouse model induced by D-galactose and aluminum chloride via reducing neuroinflammation and protecting synaptic proteins.
J Ethnopharmacol
January 2025
Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, Weijin Road, 300072 Tianjin, China. Electronic address:
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Originally formulated to mitigate high-altitude sickness, Xinnaoxin capsules (XNX) are composed of three traditional Chinese medicines (Rhodiola rosea L., Lycium barbarum L. and Hippophae rhamnoides) with properties of anti-hypoxia, anti-fatigue, and anti-aging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDihuang Yinzi Improves Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment by Regulating Plasma Exosome-Derived BDNF.
J Ethnopharmacol
January 2025
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, 030619; Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy; National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine. Electronic address:
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Dihuang Drink (DHD), formulated by Liu Hejian during the Yuan Dynasty, is listed as one of the first ancient classical prescriptions by the National Medical Products Administration of China. It is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study further investigates the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of DHD in AD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!