Translational control of synaptic plasticity.
Synapses, points of contact between axons and dendrites, are conduits for the flow of information in the circuitry of the central nervous system. The strength of synaptic transmission reflects the interconnectedness of the axons and dendrites at synapses; synaptic strength in turn is modified by the frequency with which the synapses are stimulated. This modulation of synaptic strength, or synaptic plasticity, probably forms the cellular basis for learning and memory. RNA metabolism, particularly translational control at or near the synapse, is one process that controls long-lasting synaptic plasticity and, by extension, memory formation and consolidation. In the present paper, I review some salient features of translational control of synaptic plasticity.
Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. joel.richter@umassmed.edu
Joel D
JD
Richter
D000818:Animals; D051860:Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000235:genetics*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D039221:mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D051860:Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1; D014157:Transcription Factors; D039221:mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors; C490386:CPEB1 protein, human