Local translational control in dendrites and its role in long-term synaptic plasticity

Local protein synthesis in dendrites has emerged as a key mechanism contributing to enduring forms of synaptic plasticity. Although the translational capability of dendrites has been appreciated for over 20 years, it is only recently that significant progress has been made in elucidating mechanisms that contribute to its regulation. It is clear from work over the last few years that the control of translation in dendrites is complex, involving a host of unique (and often surprising) mechanisms that can operate together or in parallel to tightly control gene expression in time and space. Here, we discuss the strategies used by neurons to regulate translation in dendrites and how these are implemented in the service of long-term information storage.