The Cell Biology of Synaptic Plasticity

Synaptic plasticity is the experience-dependent change in connectivity between neurons that is believed to underlie learning and memory. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular processes that are altered when a neuron responds to external stimuli, and how these alterations lead to an increase or...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2011-11, Vol.334 (6056), p.623-628
Main Authors: Ho, Victoria M., Lee, Ji-Ann, Martin, Kelsey C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anatomy
Animals
Behavioral neuroscience
Biological and medical sciences
Brain research
Cellular biology
Cytology
Dendrites
External stimuli
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression Regulation
Hippocampus - cytology
Hippocampus - physiology
Humans
Learning - physiology
Long term depression
Long term potentiation
Memory - physiology
Molecular biology
Neuroglia - physiology
Neurology
Neuronal Plasticity - genetics
Neuronal Plasticity - physiology
Neurons
Neurons - cytology
Neurons - physiology
Phosphorylation
Plasticity
Receptors
REVIEWS
Stimuli
Synapses
Synapses - physiology
Synaptic Transmission
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary:Synaptic plasticity is the experience-dependent change in connectivity between neurons that is believed to underlie learning and memory. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular processes that are altered when a neuron responds to external stimuli, and how these alterations lead to an increase or decrease in synaptic connectivity. Modification of synaptic components and changes in gene expression are necessary for many forms of plasticity. We focus on excitatory neurons in the mammalian hippocampus, one of the best-studied model systems of learning-related plasticity.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.1209236