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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
08:30
Preparation of Synaptoneurosomes from Mouse Cortex using a Discontinuous Percoll-Sucrose Density Gradient
Published on: September 17, 2011
Organelles and trafficking machinery for postsynaptic plasticity
Matthew J Kennedy1, Michael D Ehlers
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. kennedy@neuro.duke.edu
Annual Review of Neuroscience
|June 17, 2006
Summary
This review explores how neurons transport proteins over long distances to synapses and how this protein trafficking supports synaptic plasticity. It examines the organelles involved and local rules governing postsynaptic trafficking.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neurons are exceptionally large and complex cells, presenting unique cell-biological challenges.
- Integral membrane protein trafficking is crucial for neuronal function, especially at synapses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on long-range trafficking of newly synthesized postsynaptic proteins.
- To examine the local rules governing postsynaptic trafficking at individual synapses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neuronal protein trafficking.
- Analysis of cell-biological mechanisms in dendritic architecture maintenance.
- Investigation of organelle roles in postsynaptic trafficking and synaptic plasticity.
Main Results:
- Long-range transport of proteins is essential for establishing and maintaining dendritic architecture.
- Postsynaptic protein trafficking is a key mechanism for synaptic plasticity.
- Specific organelles integrate and respond to synaptic activity to regulate trafficking.
Conclusions:
- Understanding neuronal protein trafficking is critical for comprehending synaptic plasticity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms of neuronal trafficking.
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