Signaling Through Actin to Regulate Spine Formation and Function

ABSTRACT

Recent progress has greatly expanded our view of how signaling pathways regulate the actin cytoskeleton in post-synaptic spines. These studies reveal a complex interplay between pathways that highlight the role of the actin cytoskeleton during the development of spines as well as in response to stimuli that modify synaptic strength. This review discusses the results from these studies that include biochemical, cellular, and genetic approaches to understanding excitatory synapse formation and function.