Ca2+ signaling in dendritic spines

Dendritic spines are cellular microcompartments that are isolated from their parent dendrites and neighboring spines. Recently, imaging studies of spine Ca2+ dynamics have revealed that Ca2+ can enter spines through voltage-sensitive and ligand-activated channels, as well as through Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Relationships between spine Ca2+ signals and induction of various forms of synaptic plasticity are beginning to be elucidated. Measurements of spine Ca2+ concentration are also being used to probe the properties of single synapses and even individual calcium channels in their native environment.