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An initiation mechanism for dendritic spines discovered

Date:
June 5, 2015
Source:
University of Helsinki
Summary:
An initiation mechanism illuminates the molecular processes involved in learning and cognitive dysfunction. The discovery is important, as most of the neuronal connections, called synapses, are build to dendritic spines. In many central nervous system diseases, the dendritic spine density is altered.
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Researchers from the University of Helsinki, ETH Zürich, Aix-Marseille and the German Mouse Clinic teamed up to investigate the initiation process of dendritic spines. They discovered that protein called MIM bends the plasma membrane to aid the formation of dendritic spines from the surface of the neuronal dendrite.

The discovery is important, as most of the neuronal connections, called synapses, are build to dendritic spines. In many central nervous system diseases, the dendritic spine density is altered.

"Understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation process of dendritic spines enables us to manipulate their initiation rate and density. In future, this knowledge can be helpful in the development of therapeutic interventions for neurological diseases underlined by altered dendritic spine density, such as autism spectrum disorder, Schizophrenia or Alzheimer´s disease. Furthermore, this will help us to understand the molecular basis of learning, as new spines are readily initiated during learning," says project leader Pirta Hotulainen from the Neuroscience Center of the University of Helsinki.

This research has been collaboration between many distinct research groups combining cell biology to neuroscience. "No sole research group could have achieved such a comprehensive view of the dendritic spine initiation mechanism and show its importance for the brain function," says Pirta Hotulainen.


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Materials provided by University of Helsinki. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Pirta Hotulainen et al. MIM-Induced Membrane Bending Promotes Dendritic Spine Initiation. Developmental Cell, June 2015 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.04.014

Cite This Page:

University of Helsinki. "An initiation mechanism for dendritic spines discovered." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5 June 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150605091438.htm>.
University of Helsinki. (2015, June 5). An initiation mechanism for dendritic spines discovered. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150605091438.htm
University of Helsinki. "An initiation mechanism for dendritic spines discovered." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150605091438.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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