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A frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: Solving the structure of the postsynaptic density
The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a massive multi-protein complex whose functions include positioning signalling molecules for induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) of synaptic strength. These processes are thought to underlie memory formation. To understand how the PSD coor...
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Formato: | Online Artículo Texto |
Lenguaje: | English |
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WILEY-VCH Verlag
2012
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Acceso en línea: | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492911/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22528972 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bies.201200009 |
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author | Gold, Matthew G |
author_facet | Gold, Matthew G |
author_sort | Gold, Matthew G |
collection | PubMed |
description | The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a massive multi-protein complex whose functions include positioning signalling molecules for induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) of synaptic strength. These processes are thought to underlie memory formation. To understand how the PSD coordinates bidirectional synaptic plasticity with different synaptic activation patterns, it is necessary to determine its three-dimensional structure. A structural model of the PSD is emerging from investigation of its molecular composition and connectivity, in addition to structural studies at different levels of resolution. Technical innovations including mass spectrometry of cross-linked proteins and super-resolution light microscopy can drive progress. Integrating different information relating to PSD structure is challenging since the structure is so large and complex. The reconstruction of a PSD subcomplex anchored by AKAP79 exemplifies on a small scale how integration can be achieved. With its entire molecular structure coming into focus, this is a unique opportunity to study the PSD. |
format | Online Article Text |
id | pubmed-3492911 |
institution | National Center for Biotechnology Information |
language | English |
publishDate | 2012 |
publisher | WILEY-VCH Verlag |
record_format | MEDLINE/PubMed |
spelling | pubmed-34929112012-11-09 A frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: Solving the structure of the postsynaptic density Gold, Matthew G Bioessays Prospects & Overviews The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a massive multi-protein complex whose functions include positioning signalling molecules for induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) of synaptic strength. These processes are thought to underlie memory formation. To understand how the PSD coordinates bidirectional synaptic plasticity with different synaptic activation patterns, it is necessary to determine its three-dimensional structure. A structural model of the PSD is emerging from investigation of its molecular composition and connectivity, in addition to structural studies at different levels of resolution. Technical innovations including mass spectrometry of cross-linked proteins and super-resolution light microscopy can drive progress. Integrating different information relating to PSD structure is challenging since the structure is so large and complex. The reconstruction of a PSD subcomplex anchored by AKAP79 exemplifies on a small scale how integration can be achieved. With its entire molecular structure coming into focus, this is a unique opportunity to study the PSD. WILEY-VCH Verlag 2012-07 2012-04-23 /pmc/articles/PMC3492911/ /pubmed/22528972 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bies.201200009 Text en Copyright © 2012 WILEY Periodicals, Inc. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ Re-use of this article is permitted in accordance with the Creative Commons Deed, Attribution 2.5, which does not permit commercial exploitation. |
spellingShingle | Prospects & Overviews Gold, Matthew G A frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: Solving the structure of the postsynaptic density |
title | A frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: Solving the structure of the postsynaptic density |
title_full | A frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: Solving the structure of the postsynaptic density |
title_fullStr | A frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: Solving the structure of the postsynaptic density |
title_full_unstemmed | A frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: Solving the structure of the postsynaptic density |
title_short | A frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: Solving the structure of the postsynaptic density |
title_sort | frontier in the understanding of synaptic plasticity: solving the structure of the postsynaptic density |
topic | Prospects & Overviews |
url | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492911/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22528972 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bies.201200009 |
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