Rapid Redistribution of Synaptic PSD-95 in the Neocortex In Vivo
2006
How PSD-95 Affects Neuronal Connections
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Karel Svoboda, Rachel Jones
Hypothesis
How does the protein PSD-95 spread within cells and modulate the strength and size of neuronal connections?
Conclusion
The study found that the turnover of PSD-95 is crucial for maintaining the appropriate size of the postsynaptic density at each synapse.
Supporting Evidence
- PSD-95 clusters were stable for days in some instances.
- Large spines contain more PSD-95 and are more stable than smaller ones.
- PSD-95 retention increases with age during development.
Takeaway
This study shows that a protein called PSD-95 helps keep connections between brain cells strong and stable, and it can move around to help with that.
Methodology
The authors used dual-laser two-photon laser scanning microscopy to observe PSD-95 in living neurons of embryonic mice.
Participant Demographics
Embryonic mice were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website