Mechanisms of proteostasis in neuronal development and plasticity

The careful regulation of the protein lifecycle is important for cellular function, particularly during times of change. In neurons, the specializations needed to maintain the steady-state proteome at multiple subcellular domains and respond rapidly to activity have brought about unique mechanisms in messenger RNA (mRNA) translation and protein degradation. Recent research continues to illuminate these critical mechanisms, giving us a deeper understanding of the nervous system and identifying new targets for the treatment of neurological disorders. In this review, we highlight the new research shedding light on the mechanisms of proteostasis in brain development and plasticity. These studies emphasize the extent to which protein synthesis and degradation participate in brain function and how disruptions of proteostasis lead to disorders of the nervous system.