Journal
NEURON
Volume 57, Issue 5, Pages 719-729Publisher
CELL PRESS
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.01.013
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Funding
- NIGMS NIH HHS [R01 GM053395-12, R01 GM053395, GM65473] Funding Source: Medline
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Synapse function and plasticity depend on the physical structure of dendritic spines as determined by the actin cytoskeleton. We have investigated the organization of filamentous (F-) actin within individual spines on CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices. Using two-photon photoactivation of green fluorescent protein fused to P-actin, we found that a dynamic pool of beta-actin at the tip of the spine quickly treadmilled to generate an expansive force. The size of a stable F-actin pool at the base of the spine depended on spine volume. Repeated two-photon uncaging of glutamate formed a third pool of F-actin and enlarged the spine. The spine often released this enlargement pool into the dendritic shaft, but the pool had to be physically confined by a spine neck for the enlargement to be long-lasting. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II regulated this confinement. Thus, spines have an elaborate mechanical nature that is regulated by actin fibers.
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