Structure–stability–function relationships of dendritic spines

摘要: Dendritic spines, which receive most of the excitatory synaptic input in cerebral cortex, are heterogeneous with regard to their structure, stability and function. Spines large heads stable, express numbers AMPA-type glutamate receptors, contribute strong connections. By contrast, spines small motile unstable weak or silent Their structure-stability-function relationships suggest that "memory spines" "learning spines", respectively. Given turnover receptors is rapid, spine structure underlying organization actin cytoskeleton likely be major determinants fast transmission and, therefore, provide a physical basis for memory cortical neuronal networks. Characterization supramolecular complexes responsible learning key understanding brain function disease.