Actin Mechanisms of Postsynaptic Structure and Function

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 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Synapses represent the basic unit of neuronal communications and are composed of paired pre- and post- synaptic terminals. Most of the excitatory synapses reside on dendritic spines, a type of dendritic protrusion that hosts neurotransmitter receptors and other postsynaptic specializations. Synapses are plastic and undergo short- and long-term modifications during developmental refinement of neuronal circuitry, as well as during learning and memory. Synaptic modifications involve both pre- and post-synaptic changes. At the postsynaptic site, directed trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors to and from the membrane surface is believed to be a key event underlying long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), respectively. In addition, dendritic spines undergo rapid changes in their morphology during plasticity. The underlying cellular mechanisms that control and regulate these rapid changes in postsynaptic receptors and spine structures remain to be fully elucidated. The cytoskeleton controls many, if not all, aspects of the motility of celllar structures. How the cytoskeleton regulates postsynaptic structure, function, and modifications during plasticity, however, remains poorly understood. This proposed study aims to elucidate the actin mechanisms that control spine development, dynamics, and function. We will take advantage of our imaging expertise and experience in studying cytoskeletal dynamics in cultured neurons and organotypic slices to understand the actin regulation of postsynaptic structure and function. Specifically, we will test the novel hypothesis that coordinated monomeric G-actin localization and timely end capping of actin filaments are essential for spatiotemporal actin remodeling in the spine to underlie postsynaptic modifications during plasticity. Given that many neural disorders are associated with alterations in synaptic connections and plasticity, we hope to gain a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, which is of importance to our understanding of brain development and functions under both physiological and pathological conditions.