Unraveling the mysteries of dendritic spine dynamics: Five key principles shaping memory and cognition

Recent research extends our understanding of brain processes beyond just action potentials and chemical transmissions within neural circuits, emphasizing the mechanical forces generated by excitatory synapses on dendritic spines to modulate presynaptic function. From in vivo and in vitro studies, we outline five central principles of synaptic mechanics in brain function: P1: Stability - Underpinning the integral relationship between the structure and function of the spine synapses. P2: Extrinsic dynamics - Highlighting synapse-selective structural plasticity which plays a crucial role in Hebbian associative learning, distinct from pathway-selective long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). P3: Neuromodulation - Analyzing the role of G-protein-coupled receptors, particularly dopamine receptors, in time-sensitive modulation of associative learning frameworks such as Pavlovian classical conditioning and Thorndike's reinforcement learning (RL). P4: Instability - Addressing the intrinsic dynamics crucial to memory management during continual learning, spotlighting their role in "spine dysgenesis" associated with mental disorders. P5: Mechanics - Exploring how synaptic mechanics influence both sides of synapses to establish structural traces of short- and long-term memory, thereby aiding the integration of mental functions. We also delve into the historical background and foresee impending challenges.