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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
08:10
Using Confocal Analysis of Xenopus laevis to Investigate Modulators of Wnt and Shh Morphogen Gradients
Published on: December 14, 2015
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Cortactin Is a Regulator of Activity-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity Controlled by Wingless
Daniel Alicea1, Marizabeth Perez1, Carolina Maldonado1,2
1Institute of Neurobiology and.
Summary
Cortactin is a presynaptic regulator of synaptic plasticity, essential for activity-dependent changes in the Drosophila nervous system. Its increased levels at stimulated terminals are crucial for potentiation of spontaneous release frequency.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Synaptic plasticity underlies learning and memory.
- Wingless (Wg)/Wnt signaling regulates synaptic plasticity.
- Mechanisms linking Wg/Wnt to cellular changes in plasticity are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Cortactin in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity.
- To identify Cortactin as a presynaptic effector of Wg/Wnt signaling.
Main Methods:
- Studied Cortactin localization at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
- Assessed synaptic structure and function in wild-type and Cortactin-deficient Drosophila.
- Investigated the regulation of Cortactin levels by neuronal activity and Wg/Wnt signaling.
Main Results:
- Cortactin is present presynaptically and postsynaptically at the Drosophila NMJ.
- Presynaptic Cortactin regulates activity-dependent synaptic structure modifications.
- Loss of presynaptic Cortactin reduces spontaneous release frequency and impairs plasticity.
- Cortactin levels increase at stimulated terminals, dependent on neuronal activity, transcription, and Wg/Wnt.
Conclusions:
- Cortactin is a novel presynaptic regulator of synaptic plasticity.
- Cortactin acts as a key effector molecule for Wg/Wnt signaling in synaptic plasticity.
- Activity-dependent increases in Cortactin are necessary for full synaptic plasticity.
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