Actin and Actin-Binding Proteins: Masters of Dendritic Spine Formation, Morphology, and Function

Abstract

Dendritic spines are actin-rich protrusions that comprise the postsynaptic sites of synapses and receive the majority of excitatory synaptic inputs in the central nervous system. These structures are central to cognitive processes, and alterations in their number, size, and morphology are associated with many neurological disorders. Although the actin cytoskeleton is thought to govern spine formation, morphology, and synaptic functions, we are only beginning to understand how modulation of actin reorganization by actin-binding proteins (ABPs) contributes to the function of dendritic spines and synapses. In this review, we discuss what is currently known about the role of ABPs in regulating the formation, morphology, motility, and plasticity of dendritic spines and synapses.

Fig. (1)

Schematic diagram of actin-binding proteins in dendritic spines. Dendritic spines are enriched in actin, which is organized into branched and unbranched filaments. Reorganization and turnover of actin filaments are modulated by actin-binding proteins, which regulate spine and synaptic function as discussed in the text. The actin-binding proteins shown here regulate actin capping, polymerization, nucleation, branching, severing, and bundling. SA = spine apparatus.