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Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
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Updated: May 11, 2026

Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient
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Polysialic Acid in Brain Development and Synaptic Plasticity.

Herbert Hildebrandt1, Alexander Dityatev

  • 1Institute of Cellular Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany, hildebrandt.herbert@mh-hannover.de.

Topics in Current Chemistry
|May 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Polysialic acid (polySia), a key molecule in nervous system development, regulates cell interactions and synaptic plasticity. Its absence impacts brain development and function, with implications for neurological disorders.

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient
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07:44

Evaluation of Synapse Density in Hippocampal Rodent Brain Slices

Published on: October 6, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Glycobiology

Background:

  • Polysialic acid (polySia) is a post-translational modification of proteins, notably the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM).
  • In vertebrates, polySia is composed of α2,8-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid and plays a crucial role during nervous system development and plasticity.
  • Its synthesis is catalyzed by two key enzymes, sialyltransferases ST8SiaII and ST8SiaIV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of polySia in vertebrate central nervous system development and plasticity.
  • To highlight how polySia influences cell-cell interactions at the molecular level.
  • To discuss the implications of altered polySialylation in brain diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on polysialic acid function.
  • Analysis of data from genetically modified mouse models with targeted ablation of polysialyltransferases or NCAM.
  • Electrophysiological studies investigating synaptic plasticity and learning.

Main Results:

  • Mouse models lacking polySia exhibit significant alterations in brain development.
  • Polysialic acid-negative NCAM profoundly impacts neural development.
  • Electrophysiological data reveal polySia's critical role in regulating synaptic plasticity and learning.

Conclusions:

  • Polysialic acid is essential for proper brain development and function.
  • Dysregulation of polysialylation is linked to neurological and psychiatric conditions.
  • Further research into polySia's mechanisms can inform therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.