Browsing by Subject "Synaptic plasticity"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    Mitochondrial support and local translation of mitochondrial proteins in synaptic plasticity and function
    (Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2021) Liang, YongTian
    Complex neural and brain functions are executed through structural and functional alterations of synapses and neurons. Neuronal compartmentalization requires neurons to allocate mitochondria and proteins in a spatiotemporal manner to allow their plasticity, function and homeostasis. Importantly, mitochondria are known to interact with and modulate synaptic activities through their ATP supply, calcium buffering and signaling abilities. Over the years, mitochondrial support and local translation (including mitochondrial proteins) at neuronal sub-compartments and their synaptic specializations have been considered critical for maintaining synaptic plasticity and function. Recently, evidence has shown that late endosomes can serve as sites for local translation of mRNAs crucial for mitochondrial integrity and mitochondrial compartments can fuel plasticity-induced local translation. Indeed, failed mitochondrial homeostasis and subsequent synaptic dysfunction are often intricately linked in the malfunction of the central nervous system in synaptic aging and diseases. In this review, I will discuss the critical role of local translation (including mitochondrial proteins) in dendrites, axons and synapses on neuronal/synaptic plasticity and function.
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    Morphological changes associated with long-term potentiation
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 1998) Agnihotri, N.; Lopez-Garcia, J.C.; Hawkins, R.D.; Arancio, O.
    Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a longlasting form of synaptic plasticity induced by brief repetitive afferent stimulation that is thought to be associated with learning and memory. It is most commonly studied in the hippocampus where it may last for several weeks, and involves the synthesis of new proteins that might play a structural role. In this review we summarize the evidence in favor of modifications of neuronal architecture during LTP. We focus our attention on changes occurring at the level of single synapses, including components of postsynaptic dendrites (dendritic spines, the postsynaptic density, and synaptic curvature), of presynaptic terminals, and the formation of new synapses. We conclude that although many morphological changes at various sites have been observed during LTP, there is no definitive proof in favor of structural changes associated with LTP. However, morphological modifications remain a valid candidate for mechanisms of learning and memory.