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 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.

• Publication year

  2012

• Venue

  Bioessays

• Publication date

  2012-04-23

• Fields of study

  Biology, Medicine, Chemistry

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.1002/bies.201200009PMID 22528972PMCID 3492911
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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