Actin in action: the interplay between the actin cytoskeleton and synaptic efficacy.
Synapse regulation exploits the capacity of actin to function as a stable structural component or as a dynamic filament. Beyond its well-appreciated role in eliciting visible morphological changes at the synapse, the emerging picture points to an active contribution of actin to the modulation of the efficacy of pre- and postsynaptic terminals. Moreover, by engaging distinct pools of actin and divergent signalling pathways, actin-dependent morphological plasticity could be uncoupled from modulation of synaptic strength. The aim of this Review is to highlight some of the recent progress in elucidating the role of the actin cytoskeleton in synaptic function.
Cingolani
Lorenzo A
LA
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and MRC Cell Biology Unit, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
Goda
Yukiko
Y
D000199:Actins / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D049229:Dendritic Spines / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008954:Models, Biological; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism
D000199:Actins