The molecular mechanisms of membrane trafficking during synaptic plasticity in dendritic spines

Abstract

Dendritic spines are protrusions on the postsynaptic dendrite that contribute to a semi-autonomous response that is spatiotemporally separated from other postsynaptic neuron regions like the soma and dendritic shaft. Spines are crucial for synaptic plasticity including long-term potentiation (LTP) and information storage. Their morphology is regulated by numerous organelles, cellular events and molecular interactions. Vesicle trafficking and remodeling of the cytoskeleton, which are closely linked, are widely accepted to be the pivotal mechanisms of spine growth and contribute to strengthening synaptic transmission. In this review I aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the cellular processes and molecular key players involved in spatiotemporal regulation of spine growth, starting from the Ca2+ influx as a resultant of synaptic activity. Recently, many effectors have been made that supplied new insights in vesicle and protein trafficking that underlies neuronal processes like LTP and synaptic plasticity. The discovery of novel players and mechanisms concerning spine growth also contributed to a better understanding of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases like autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and schizophrenia which are associated with spine anomalies.