REGULATION OF DENDRITIC SPINE BY AMPA RECEPTORS

Spines are tiny (1-2mm) protrusions that make up the post-synaptic specialization of the majority of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system. The compartmentalization of specific proteins and glutamate receptors (GluRs) in the spines creates a local domain specialized for synaptic communication and plasticity. We observed that when overexpressed in hippocampal neurons AMPA receptor GluR2 subunit promoted enlargement of dendritic spines and induced spine formation in gabaergic interneurons (non-spiny neurons). These data suggest a direct involvement of GluR2 subunit in the formation and growth of new dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons. The investigation is centered on the molecular mechanisms of dendritic spine formation and modulation and how glutamate receptors (in particular, AMPA subtype glutamate receptors) regulate dendritic spine formation, number and shape. Determining these molecular mechanisms will advance our understanding of basic mechanisms underlying learning and memory, and may significantly contribute to our understanding of various memory-related diseases.