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Related Concept Videos

Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
06:54

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Published on: June 3, 2021

Activity-regulated circSamm50 modulates mitochondrial dynamics and spine structural plasticity.

Kaushik Chanda1, Ojasee Bapat2, Jenna Lynne Wingfield1

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.

Cell Reports
|June 2, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are upregulated in the brain and link mitochondrial function to synaptic plasticity. This study identifies circSamm50, a key regulator of neuronal structure and function.

Keywords:
CP: molecular biologyCP: neuroscienceLTPcircular RNAgene networkshippocampal neuronsmitochondriastructural plasticitysynaptic transmission

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Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
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Published on: August 15, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundant in the brain, but their roles in synaptic plasticity are not well understood.
  • Synaptic plasticity, essential for learning and memory, involves structural changes at synapses.
  • Mitochondrial function is critical for neuronal energy supply and synaptic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize plasticity-induced circRNAs in the brain.
  • To investigate the functional role of circSamm50 in neuronal plasticity and mitochondrial regulation.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism linking circRNAs, mitochondria, and synaptic structure.

Main Methods:

  • Primary hippocampal neuron culture and chemical long-term potentiation induction.
  • Identification and quantification of circRNAs using RNA sequencing.
  • CRISPR-Cas13 system for acute circRNA depletion.
  • Mitochondrial morphology, transport, and bioenergetic assays.
  • Electrophysiology and two-photon glutamate uncaging for synaptic plasticity assessment.

Main Results:

  • A plasticity-induced circRNA, circSamm50, was identified and found to be upregulated following chemical long-term potentiation.
  • circSamm50 sequesters miR-186-5p, stabilizing Samm50 mRNA and influencing mitochondrial gene regulation.
  • Depletion of circSamm50 led to disrupted mitochondrial morphology, transport, and bioenergetics.
  • Loss of circSamm50 impaired synaptic transmission, reduced spine density, and compromised activity-dependent structural plasticity.

Conclusions:

  • circSamm50 is a plasticity-modulated circRNA that coordinates mitochondrial function with activity-dependent spine remodeling.
  • This study reveals a novel mechanism where circRNAs couple metabolic control to synapse function and structural plasticity.
  • circSamm50 represents a potential therapeutic target for neurological disorders involving synaptic dysfunction and mitochondrial defects.