The Role of Phosphoinositides in Synapse Function

Since the discovery of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, scientific interest in the biological functions of phosphoinositides has greatly increased. Currently, seven phosphoinositides have been identified. These phosphoinositides are specifically localized to organelle membranes, their site of action. Phosphoinositides can regulate neuronal function by specifically recruiting downstream proteins that have phosphoinositide-binding domains. To date, it is well accepted that phosphoinositides play important roles in a broad spectrum of neuronal functions from regulating neural development to modulating synapse function. This review will provide an overview of the function and distribution of phosphoinositides at synapses.